Tree Trimming & Pruning Tips

Tree pruning is an alternative term used to describe the process of trimming a tree. There are multiple reasons one would need to prune a tree. Whether you want to remove dead wood, shape the tree, trim hazardous branches, or restrict growth – the ultimate goal is to remove diseased, unproductive, or unpleasant looking branches/tissue so the rest of the tree can flourish. Pruning a tree can have extremely detrimental outcomes if done incorrectly, which is why we have some helpful tips that are essential to remember before attempting this process.

1. Make sure you have the proper tools.
2. Strongly consider a professional before you try and DIY.
3. Make sure to determine if a tree is actually dead and needs to be removed.

Using the Proper Tools

Usually, pruning a tree will only require hand pruners, loppers, or a pruning saw. When it comes to hand pruners, there are three types: a bypass, an anvil, and a ratchet. In most situations, a bypass hand pruner is going to be your best bet. Similar to hand pruners, the two types of loppers include a bypass or an anvil lopper. For tree pruning, a bypass lopper is the safest option. Most of these tools can easily be found at your local hardware store. On top of having the proper tools, it’s important to know that the best time to prune your trees is in the early spring, right before the tree begins to bloom. If you opt to prune at another time, make sure it isn’t during a period of extreme dryness.

Consider a Professional

Many people think that they can prune a tree on their own, and that is totally fine. However, in certain instances, you’re going to want to call a professional like Henry’s Tree Service. DIY attempts can end up harming the tree or even killing it. The times in which it is necessary to call a professional include:

• If the tree is growing close to a power line.
• If the tree is too big.
• If you’re unsure how to trim the tree.
• If the tree is diseased.

We guarantee that our experienced professionals will make sure that they prune the tree correctly, while also sustaining as much of the living tree as possible. Along with sustaining the tree, a professional will make sure that they preserve the surrounding environment.

How to Spot a Dead tree

The first step to determining if your tree is dead or not is to simply examine the tree. If the tree is generating new and colorful leaves, then it is very much alive. Another way you can tell if your tree is dead is by bending the smaller and less durable branches on the tree. If you find that most of them are snapping instantly without any resistance, then your tree could very well be dead. Another technique you can use is the scratch test. This implies scratching the bark on the tree, and if it is green underneath, then it is alive. Make sure to scratch multiple places on the tree because some parts of the tree may be alive while others are dead. If you determine that your tree is dead, be sure to give one of our professionals a call today so that they can safely remove it from your property. Trimming a dead tree is a time consuming task that has little to no beneficial outcomes. Not to mention you could damage your surrounding environment. Therefore, if you have a dead tree on your property, call a professional like Henry’s Tree Service to remove it.

Call Henry’s Tree Service for Any Pruning Needs



Henry’s Tree Service serves Wake, Durham, Chatham, Johnston and Franklin counties with expert trimming and other tree care. Reach us at (919) 532-9141 to get a proper tree pruning and more in the Triangle area.