Cut a Limb from a Tree

Improperly cutting a large limb from a tree can tear away a long strip of bark and wound the tree, as seen in the left picture in the diagram. This can be avoided by making the cut properly as described below.

Steps

 * 1) Plan your cut. Decide which branch(es) you will cut and where. You may wish to cut a branch for aesthetic reasons (because it overhangs something or grows in a direction it shouldn't) or because branches are rubbing or damaged.
 * 2) *If you have any doubts about which branches to cut or how to cut them safely, hire a tree service.
 * 3) *Prune branches smaller than about 5cm (2 inches) in diameter with bypass loppers. Use the technique below for larger branches.
 * 4)  [[Image:Tree_limb_1.jpg|thumb|Undercut.]]Cut the limb from the underside about 1/2 way through but stop before the saw binds.  This cut should be made at ‘A’ in the picture above.
 * 5) [[Image:Tree_limb_2.jpg|thumb|A second cut.]]Make a second cut at ‘B’, slightly further out on the limb and from the top.
 * 6)  [[Image:Tree_limb_3.jpg|thumb|Allow the branch to fall.]]Allow the branch to break free and fall under its own weight.
 * 7) [[Image:Tree_limb_4.jpg|thumb|A third cut to clean up.]]Cut the remaining stub off from ‘E’ to ‘F’,(to prevent tearing the bark make a small cut at 'F' first) make the cut close to the main trunk.
 * 8) *[[Image:Treecollar_160.JPG|thumb]]However, don't cut into the "branch collar" of the limb being removed, as this will actually inhibit healing. The branch collar is easily identified as the bulge between the base of the limb and the trunk.
 * 9)  [[Image:Tree_limb_5.jpg|thumb|Leave it angled downwards so that water will run off.]]Cut flush with the outer edge of the branch collar, and healing will proceed much faster.  At one time it was common practice to paint the wound, but it has been shown that this can harm the tree.  Leave the wound free to dry naturally.

Tips

 * It may help to remove very large branches in multiple pieces to help make them easier to control.
 * Fall and winter are the best times to prune trees because that is when they are dormant. However, spring flowering trees can be pruned immediately after blooming and summer flowering trees can be pruned before new growth begins.
 * Maple, birch, dogwood, and elms will "bleed" sap which is unsightly, but harmless to the tree.

Warnings

 * Be careful to avoid cutting yourself when using a saw.
 * Make sure that no one is standing in the way of falling branches, and that falling branches won't hit anything important.
 * Remember that branches are springy and be prepared for them to bounce somewhat when they fall.
 * Wear gloves and eye protection.
 * Work with a partner if the limbs are large.
 * Use ladders safely, if needed.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Control the Spread of Bamboo
 * How to Plant With Two Row Planters
 * How to Apply Anhydrous Ammonia to Your Field
 * How to Prune a Tree

Sources and Citations
Wie man einen Ast von einem Baum abtrennt
 * Kains, M.G. (1935). Gardening Short Cuts. New York and Cleveland: World Publishing Company - Book in public domain. Copyright not renewed.