How to Cut a Limb from a Tree
Incorrectly cutting off a large limb or branch from your tree could in theory rip off a long chunk of bark, and possibly wound your tree. You can prevent this from happening, by performing the cut correctly. We, at David's Tree Service, based in Slidell, LA, have provided some simple tree care steps below.
Plan your cut.
Make a decision on which branch or branches you are going to cut and where. You could just be looking to remove a branch purely for aesthetic reasons, due to the fact it is overhanging something or is growing in a way it shouldn’t, or simply because the branches are rubbing together or are damaged in some way.
If you have some doubts which branches to cut or are not sure on how to cut them safely, then call in a professional tree service. However, if you feel confident in your abilities, prune branches smaller than 5cm in diameter that have bypass loppers. Use the method listed below on bigger branches.
Cut the branch from beneath about half way through, however, stop before the saw binds. Do a second cut, further out and at the top. Then simply let the branch break free and break using its own weight.
Cut the rest of the stub off, to stop the bark from tearing, do the cut close to the trunk. However, DO NOT cut into the branch collar of the limb which you are removing. This will prevent the tree from healing itself. Look for branch collar pictures on your browser if you don’t see it. The branch collar is a bulge where the limb connects to the trunk; however, this can be difficult to see on young trees or trees which grow slowly.
Cut straight on the outer edge of the collar, and the healing process will happen a lot faster. Saving money by using clean and sharp tools, and never paint over the cut. Once it was common to paint the tree cuts, however, it has now been shown doing this will harm trees, not help them. Leave it to dry naturally.
Contact David's Tree Service today at (985) 640-2680.