Pruning is not only for aesthetics. Its fundamental purpose is preserve tree safety and health.

• Weakened branches that could fall can cause physical injury or property damage
• Branches that may interfere with traffic sight lines
• Branches that may interfere with utility lines
• Develop optimal structure
• Removed diseased or insect-infested wood
• Thinning crown for airflow
• Limit damage from wounds
• Encourage photosynthesis and other biological processes
• Enhance natural form
• Encourage flowering

Pruning Techniques
Every pruning cut has the potential to alter the manner in which a tree grows, so it is important to exercise best practices when pruning trees:

• Use the right tool
  • hand pruning shears for small trees
  • lopping shears and pruning saws for cuts over ½” in diameter
• Make certain your tools are sharp and clean
• Make your cuts just outside the branch collar
  • helping the tree compartmentalize the wound
  • avoid sensitive trunk and parent branch tissues
• If you must cut, place cuts at lateral branches
  • cuts made between buds or branches can stimulate stem decay, sprout production and structural weakness
• For most young trees, establish a dominant leader
  • codominant stems can lead to structural weakness
• The height of the lowest permanent branch is determined by the tree’s intended function and location
  • for example, use as a screen or along a traveled road where clearance is necessary
• Maintain proper spacing of permanent branches, vertical and radial
• Prune branches with weak attachments, or where included bark has built up in tight crotches
• Avoid over-thinning
  • try to retain at least half the foliage on branches based in the lower two thirds of the tree
• For the first two to three years of a tree’s life, restrict cuts to corrective pruning
  • young unpruned trees develop stronger root systems
• Avoid wound dressings