Pruning a Tree
WARNING
Cutting higher limbs from a tree off the ground
can put you in an unstable position that could
be unsafe for you while handling a pole saw,
resulting in possible serious personal injury
or death to you or bystanders.
When cutting limbs from a standing tree, use
the following practices:
•
Do not climb on limbs or branches with a
pole saw.
•
Do not overreach, and cut with both hands
on the pole saw.
•
Ensure that all bystanders are away from
the area where branches may fall.
1.
Grip the pole saw as described in
the Pole Saw (page 12)
.
2.
While cutting small branches, apply light
pressure to the branch to be cut.
3.
While cutting larger branches, make a shallow
undercut and then complete the cut from the
topside of the branch.
A.
Cut from the underside of the limb about 15
cm (6 inches) from the trunk. Cut a third of
the way through the limb.
B.
Cut 5.0 to 10.0 cm (2 to 4 inches) farther
out on the limb and from above. Cut the
limb until it falls.
C.
Cut the limb stub at the branch collar
(
Important:
Do not cut the limb past the
collar, flush to the trunk, or leave a large
limb stub; this damages the tree.
g316577
Figure 11
1.
First relief undercut
3.
Final pruning cut to
remove the limb stub
2.
Second through cut
4.
Branch collar (where the
trunk transitions to the
limb)
13