How to Prune Tree Bushes
- 1). Inspect your tree bushes to determine what pruning shears will be needed. To prune small branches and twigs, the use of bypass shears will work best, as they are small and efficient. When cutting branches that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter, it is best to use manual two-handed pruning shears, while branches larger than 1 1/2 inches in diameter, will need to be pruned using a pruning saw, which is much like a long curved knife, used to cut larger wood limbs. Using sharp shears will allow you to cut branches faster and easier.
- 2). Remove long, thin, overshooting twigs and branches with bypass shears to even out your tree bushes. Because these shears are small, you can cut down odd twigs to level out surfaces of the bushes while shaping them. You can remove these small branches using cotton gloves as they are light and easy to handle.
- 3). Cut dead or diseased branches that measure 1 1/2 inches in diameter at the base of the branch with manual two-handed pruning shears and leather gloves. Cut the branches at a slant to prevent more disease from being housed after it rains. Manual two-handed shears work much like scissors and allow you to cut through branches in a precise manner. Remove the branches with leather gloves to prevent scrapes.
- 4). Prune large limbs from tree bushes, also at a slant, during the winter months of January or February to allow new healthy shoots to grow during the spring. Remove the large limbs from the trees using the pruning saw by cutting the bottom of the limb first, 1 inch deep, then cutting the top of the limb until it has broken off. Pruning trees during the winter works best because all of the leaves have fallen off, which allows you to access the branches, making it much easier to cut.
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