Pruning dead, damaged, and diseased wood is an essential task for maintaining the health and appearance of trees and shrubs. Removing this unhealthy plant material promotes vigor, prevents the spread of pests and disease, and reduces safety hazards. With the proper tools and technique, pruning dead, damaged, and diseased wood can be done efficiently.
When to Prune Dead, Damaged, and Diseased Branches
The best time to prune diseased or dead branches is during dry weather in late winter, before growth starts in early spring. With deciduous trees and shrubs, it’s easier to identify dead branches once leaves have fallen. Evergreens can be pruned in late winter as well.
During the growing season, remove damaged or diseased branches as soon as they are identified. This helps prevent the spread of disease and insects to healthy plant tissues.
Tools Needed for Pruning
Having the right pruning tools makes the job easier and helps ensure proper cuts. Essential equipment includes:
- Bypass hand pruners for smaller branches
- Lopping shears for slightly larger branches
- Pruning saw for large branches
- Pole pruner or pole saw for high branches
- Disinfectant such as isopropyl alcohol to treat tool blades between cuts
If power tools like a chainsaw are needed for very large limbs, safety precautions are essential. Never use power tools near overhead wires.
How to Identify Branches to Remove
Scan trees and shrubs regularly to spot branches that are dying, damaged, or infected with disease. Signs to look for:
Dead Branches
- Lack of any signs of growth during the growing season
- Brittle, dry wood with loose, cracking bark
- No leaf buds or new leaves emerging
- Dead leaves remaining attached
Diseased Branches
- Discolored or spotted foliage
- White fungal growth on bark
- Oozing lesions or cankers on branches
- Withered branch tips
- Abnormal bulge or swelling of wood
Damaged Branches
- Split, hanging, or broken branches
- Branches scraped by vehicles or equipment
- Branches torn or broken by storms
How to Prune Out Unhealthy Wood
Follow these steps for proper pruning technique:
1. Cut Back to Healthy Wood
- Make pruning cuts just above healthy wood, well below any split or diseased sections.
2. Angle Cuts Properly
- Angle cuts so water will drain off in the direction of branch growth to minimize risk of decay.
3. Disinfect Tools
- Clean bypass pruners, loppers, and saws with isopropyl alcohol after each cut to prevent spreading disease.
4. Remove Stubs
- Don’t leave branch stubs sticking out from the trunk or parent limb. Cut back to the branch collar.
5. Treat Cuts
- Apply a wound dressing or pruning sealer to cuts over 1 inch in diameter. This helps prevent infection.
6. Remove All Debris
- Dispose of pruned branches and leaves, which may harbor pests and disease. Burn or deeply bury if diseased.
7. Monitor Progress
- Inspect trees and shrubs periodically to check for new dead or infected wood in need of pruning.
When to Call a Professional Arborist
Pruning high branches near power lines or large limbs over 2 inches in diameter often requires special training and equipment. Hire an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist for:
- Safety pruning near electrical wires
- Large branch removal requiring a chainsaw
- Accessing branches with a bucket truck
- Treating infectious tree diseases
- Assessing potential hazards or risk factors
An arborist can help keep trees and shrubs healthy, beautiful, and structurally sound through proper pruning techniques.
FAQ About Pruning Dead, Damaged, and Diseased Branches
Should I prune in summer or winter?
The best time is late winter before new growth emerges. Summer pruning can be done if branches are diseased, damaged, or posing an immediate hazard.
How far back should I cut dead branches?
Prune back to just above healthy wood, removing all of the dead section. Angle the cut down and outward.
Can I use wound paint on pruning cuts?
Wound paint or sealer is recommended for cuts over 1 inch across to prevent infection. Otherwise let cuts heal naturally.
What is the proper pruning cut angle?
Angle pruning cuts down and away from the remaining branch or trunk at approximately 45 degrees.
When should branches be removed?
Remove dead or damaged branches immediately. Live branches with disease symptoms should also be pruned right away to limit spread.
Can I prune trees myself?
Small trees under 15 feet tall can be pruned by homeowners. Hire an arborist for large trees, safety hazards near wires, and high branches requiring a bucket truck.
How do I disinfect pruning tools?
Clean tool blades frequently with a disinfectant like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to prevent transmitting diseases between cuts.
What pruning equipment should I use?
Hand pruners for small branches, lopping shears for slightly larger branches up to 1 inch, and a pruning saw for cutting large limbs over 1 inch diameter.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting trees and shrubs and pruning out dead, damaged, and diseased wood is essential for the health, safety, and appearance of landscape plants. Follow proper techniques when making cuts to avoid permanent damage. With the right tools and some horticultural know-how, this necessary pruning can be performed effectively. Removing unhealthy plant material promptly also helps maintain the vigor, structure, and natural beauty of prized trees and shrubs for years to come.