Pruning in the winter will also help your tree grow more during the spring. Avoid pruning your tree during the growing season or you could stunt its growth.
If you use a hand or bow saw, you will move the saw back and forth quickly to make clean, straight cuts. Make an initial mark on the tree limb, then go back and saw it off. If using a chainsaw, handle the machine with care and read all safety warnings on your machine before you use it. Also, make sure you wear protective eyewear and gloves.
This is known as your “notch cut. ”
This is called your “relief cut. ” If you skip over this cut and go right for your final cut, you might damage the trunk and expose your tree to pests and disease.
Sometimes the slant of the branch collar will be tricky to reach. You can make your cut from the bottom up if it is easier than going from the top down. Make sure your hands are not in the way of your hand saw or chainsaw.
Rotten holes in tree trunks and seeping wounds are caused from cutting at the branch collar.
Your tree can become susceptible to disease or insect infestation if your relief cut is not made properly.
