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Growing Urban Forests in Mississippi and Arkansas

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When to Prune Trees

Pruning at the right time helps trees stay healthy and reduces damage. Here’s when to do it:

  • Best Time: Winter (January–February) is ideal because trees are dormant.
  • Avoid Heavy Pruning: In early spring (April–May), trees are using a lot of energy to grow new leaves. Avoid cutting back too much during this time.
  • Light Pruning: You can do light pruning at any time, but it’s less important to worry about the exact timing.
  • For Flowering Trees: If you want to enjoy spring flowers, wait until after blooming (June or later) to prune.
  • Dead Wood: You can remove dead limbs any time of year.

How to Prune Properly

Pruning correctly helps the tree heal and grow in a healthy shape.

  • Remove Whole Branches: It’s better to take off an entire limb than to cut partway.
  • Cut at the Right Spot: Trim back to a small twig or a bud, where new growth will start.
  • Use the 3-Cut Method for branches 1 inch or wider:
    1. Make an undercut about 5 inches from where the branch joins the tree.
    2. Make a second cut above the first to remove the branch’s weight.
    3. Make the final cut at the branch collar (the swollen area at the base).

Why the Branch Collar Matters

Trees naturally fight off decay. The branch collar contains chemicals that help close wounds and protect the tree. Never cut the branch flush against the trunk—leave the collar in place.

How Much to Prune

  • Max Limit: Don’t remove more than 25% of the tree’s live branches in one year.
  • For Weak Trees: Cut back even less. Over-pruning can stress the tree and lead to unwanted sprouting.
  • Avoid Back-to-Back Heavy Pruning: Don’t prune more than 25% of the canopy two years in a row.
Young tree in need of pruning

How to Prune Young Trees

Use simple tools to guide the tree’s growth early on:

  • Remove double tops (called “double leaders”).
  • Gradually take off lower branches if you want a shade tree.

Pruning Tools

Use the right tool for the size of the branch:

  • Hand Pruners: Best for small branches (up to ¼ inch wide).
  • Loppers: Great for medium branches; longer handles give more power but can be less precise.
  • Pruning Saws: Curved blades that cut on the pull stroke—fast and clean. Available in folding, fixed, or pole-mounted versions.
  • Chainsaws: Only for professional use on large limbs or dangerous cuts.

Tip: Hire a certified arborist for big jobs or anything that could be dangerous.