Trim Trees and Shrubs
Why It Matters
Overgrown branches damage your roof, siding, and gutters during storms. Deadwood falls unpredictably and can injure people.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Pruning shears, Loppers, Pole saw. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the trim trees and shrubs
Prune dead branches, shape overgrown shrubs, and trim branches away from the house, roof, and power lines. Safety note: Never trim near power lines.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If branches near power lines or large tree limbs over structures, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Pruning shears
- Loppers
- Pole saw
Community Tips
Remove dead or diseased branches first by cutting just outside the branch collar (the swollen ring where the branch meets the trunk), as this promotes faster healing and prevents pest entry; Fiskars PowerGear2 Loppers ($25-35) provide enough cutting leverage to cleanly sever branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter without crushing the wood.
Never cut more than 25% of a tree's canopy in a single season, as excessive pruning weakens the tree's structure and can trigger disease; late winter or early spring is the optimal window for most deciduous trees, but pruning flowering shrubs immediately after blooms fade prevents removing next season's flower buds.
A pole saw like the Ryobi ONE+ 8-inch Cordless ($120-160) eliminates the need for ladders when trimming high branches, reducing fall risk and allowing better control over cut angles; the lightweight design reduces shoulder fatigue during extended overhead work compared to manual pruning saws. ---