DIY Tree Trimming: When to Do It and What to Know

Safety is paramount when it comes to trimming your own trees. bogubogu/Shutterstock

Professional tree trimmers work year-round and know how to effectively maintain actively-growing trees. DIYers who want this to be a one-time project should consider trimming in the winter when the trees are dormant.

There will still be a burst of growth in the spring, but winter trimming lasts longer and is easier to do with no leaves in the way. Deciduous trees always shed their leaves in the winter, which allows a good view of branches to determine which should be trimmed back or cut off entirely. Always remove dead or damaged branches, especially before they have to bear the weight of snow.

That said, there are exceptions to winter trimming. In some areas, like southern California or southern Florida, most trees don’t truly go into dormancy, so they can be pruned and trimmed almost any time. When in doubt, research the particular species. Trees that produce flowers should be pruned after they flower to encourage new growth. Maple trees being tapped shouldn’t be trimmed between January and March.

Pruning versus Trimming

Pruning the tree’s shape by snipping small branches and shoots can be done year-round. This helps reduce the annual trimming required.

On the other hand, trimming is removing and shortening branches. It has a more significant impact. Branches that are completely removed and not just shortened won’t regrow, so think twice before making big cuts.

Have a Reason

There needs to be a good reason to trim a tree. Safety is a top reason. For example, large branches overhanging the house would be dangerous if they were to break and land on the roof, on power lines, or in a pool. Even healthy branches that overhang a sidewalk or patio could injure or even kill someone if they were to break off in a storm or high winds. These kinds of branches should be removed as soon as they pose significant risk.

Large trees in areas prone to wind storms, even if not close to homes or other structures, should also be trimmed to improve airflow and otherwise reduce the chance of damage to the tree, which can lead to disease.

Another good reason to trim your trees is the fact that young trees trimmed in the winter can be “trained” to grow in the desired shape. To choose which branches to remove, look first for dead branches or any that are infested with insects or infected with disease. If you find damaged or diseased branches, don’t wait until winter—remove them immediately. Dip the pruning saw blade into a 10 percent bleach solution before cutting to avoid spreading the disease. However, don’t cut the branch if you see oak wilt or the beetles that attack oak trees, since they might attack the branch where it has been trimmed and weaken or kill it. Don’t trim until after these insects are gone for the season.

Most trees, especially fruit trees, tend to grow and be more productive after trimming. But in yards with limited room for trees, growth isn’t always a good thing. Roots are like branches, spreading and growing, but out of sight. Unfettered growth can lead to roots that damage sidewalks, underground pipes, and even structures. If roots are visible and growing in an undesirable direction, they need to be trimmed along with problem branches. This usually involves digging, so set aside extra time and tools.

The Right Tools

It takes more than a saw to properly trim a tree. A well-equipped DIYer will also have an adjustable ladder, branch loppers, a chainsaw, and a pole pruner.

Pole pruners use a saw blade mounted to an extending handle to trim hard-to-reach branches. They can be hand-powered or incorporate a small electric chainsaw.

Loppers and hand saws are used to cut smaller tree branches, while chainsaws make short work of bigger jobs. They’re available in gas-powered and electric models, with blades from six to 32 inches in length. The electric chainsaws are powered by onboard rechargeable batteries or via a 110V cord. The blade length and the engine or motor power determines the size branch or tree the chainsaw can be used on. All chainsaws need to be handled with extreme care.

Must-have safety equipment includes eye protection, hearing protection when using power tools, thick leather gloves, protective boots, a jacket or long-sleeved shirt, and pants made of sturdy fabric.

Optional gear includes branch chippers and a helmet with a face shield. Tree-climbing gear is beyond the skillsets of most DIYers.

Sawing 101

Before doing any cutting, make sure to wear eye protection, hearing protection if you’re using a chainsaw, protective gloves, durable pants and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Never use a chainsaw without first being trained in safe usage.

Before cutting, determine where the branch will fall. Be aware that smaller branches may bounce and move while being cut. After it’s cut, sudden weight redistribution may cause remaining branches to shift and strike the person doing the cutting. Keep kids, pets, and onlookers far away. If the yard has many trees, it may be best to spread the project over several days.

When cutting a branch, always cut away from yourself. Start on the underside of the branch, about six inches from the tree trunk, going no more than a third of the way through the branch. Next, several inches out from the first cut, measuring away from the trunk, cut from the top of the branch. Depending on the branch size, this cut will either go all the way through, or the branch will break off as the cut is underway. If it breaks off, the first cut keeps it from stripping away bark from the tree trunk, exposing it to potential disease or insect damage.

Know When to Call a Pro

Enthusiasm only goes so far, and should be tempered by common sense. There’s no shame in realizing it’s time to call a professional tree trimmer. At a minimum, think of it as a way to learn how to do it right so it can be a DIY project in the future.