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Home
Yard & Garden
Trees & Shrubs
How to Prune a Tree

How to Prune a Tree

An arborist's rules on how to shape up a small ornamental tree to make it more attractive and healthy

Karen BussoliniThis Old House magazine

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Introduction
Step 1
Plan the Biggest Cuts First
Step 2
Saw Off Fat Branches in Three Cuts
Step 3
Remove the Stub
Step 4
Leave the Tree to Heal Itself
Step 5
Remove Suckers at the Base
Step 6
Cut Close to the Branch Collar
Step 7
Clip Water Sprouts
Step 8
Remove Inward-Growing and Rubbing Branches
Step 9
Enjoy the Spring Show

a x-mas tree in the Blair House in Washington, DC with a homemade x-mas tree box stand

landscapers secure the newly planted tree in its hole

See more on Trees and Shrubs:

• How to Take Down a Dead Tree
• How to Transplant a Small Tree
• How to Prune Small Trees and Shrubs
• How to Winterize Shrubs

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