Trees continue to survive in spite of the many challenges they face in the urban environment. However, to grow from seedling to a mature tree in the urban forest, they need our help. They are the largest, oldest living organisms on the planet and can live long, healthy lives with some assistance. We often place trees in less-than-favorable growing locations that don’t allow natural development and maturity and often require pruning to develop a durable structure, improve clearance and maintain aesthetics.

Pruning has been called “one of the best, worst maintenance practices” performed on trees. The process creates wounds, which have a major impact on plant processes. Improper cutting on a tree causes severe damage or even death. To prune properly, it is important to understand both the proper techniques and how the tree responds to pruning.

In this publication, Urban Forestry Specialist Lindsey Purcell explores the techniques behind good pruning, from the planning process before planting to monitoring the tree’s response after the pruning cuts. Check out Tree Pruning Essentials and make sure you are pruning your trees to maximize safety, aesthetics and tree health!

Resources
Tree Pruning Essentials, Purdue Extension
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension
Trees and Storms, Got Nature?
Tree Risk Management, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Pruning, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Prune Your Trees, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Department of Natural Resources, Purdue University