Whether you are cutting down dead limbs, or shaping your tree for ulterior purposes, removing limbs from your tree can be a do-it-yourself project if you have the proper equipment and experience. It is, however, important to cut a tree limb properly so that the tree left behind can stay healthy and strong without damage from negligence. 

It is generally suggested that you wait until your tree is dormant to perform limb removal. Pruning your tree when it is dormant allows it to heal before any threatening pests arrive on-scene. Also, pruning in the winter can help your tree grow more fully in the spring. 

There are specific tools that can be used while removing limbs to ensure the future health of your tree. For example, using a hand saw or bow saw will give you more control over your cuts. Using a chainsaw on the other hand would be more efficient and less work, but with less precision. 

When you are removing tree limbs, you use a specific series of cuts along the branch called notch cuts, relief cuts, and final cuts. Whichever cut you are making, it is important to cut with care. You don’t want to leave your tree with more damage after you’ve finished your work! This is especially important for your relief cuts. Providing the relief cut too late after the limb’s weight is removed could cause branches to split and break later. 

The placement of your cuts on the tree limb is also significant. Cutting the limb too short/too close to the trunk can cause your tree to get sick. This is usually denoted by rotting wood sections in the tree. Instead of cutting the limb down to the trunk, you want to cut it just before the branch collar. This supports your tree in recovering more easily. Cutting a tree limb too long can also be problematic. This causes your tree limb to heal slower, and interfering branches or stubs can impede the limb growth. 

If you’re not confident in accomplishing this task on your own, call us here at Dynamic Arborist. We are fully equipped for any of your tree limb removal projects, and would be excited to work with you. With a fully stocked tool shed of appropriate equipment to our professional skill set, we are the best people for your limb removal job.