Advice
Removing limbs from trees
Tree limbs may need removing or shortening for aesthetic considerations or they may pose a hazard to people, buildings, vehicles or the tree itself.
Prior
to undertaking any work it is essential to ascertain if a
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place or if the
tree is in a Conservation Area. If either is the case then
permission must be sought from your local council before any
work can begin.
Potentially dangerous limbs can in theory be removed without permission but the penalties for breaching the legislations, inadvertently or not, can be severe.
Safety is of prime importance when working with trees, so make an honest appraisal of your capabilities, assess the area in which any branches may fall and erect warning signs or barricades if necessary before beginning. If in any doubt engage a professionally qualified tree surgeon or aboriculturist.
Branches
should not be cut back flush to the main trunk or left with
a large snag as these will result in excessive dieback or
poor callusing and healing.
The ideal point is immediately outside the 'collar', which is normally visible as a distinct bulge - occasionally continuing all the way around the branch. The 'collar' may extend some way out but should not be cut into even if a 'snag' appears to remain.
Larger branches should be cut back in stages to reduce the risk of damage to the main stem and collar. Begin with an undercut, cutting upwards halfway through the limb following with a downwards severing cut between 2.5-5cm (1-2in) further out. Additional pairs of cuts may be required before a clean final cut can be made resulting in a stub with an intact collar.
Most genera are best pruned in late winter but some, such as Carpinus betulus, Pyrus sp. and Prunus sp. should have limbs removed in mid- to late summer.
Wound sealants and dressings are not generally used except where the short-term protection afforded may be some defence against fresh wound parasites such as silver leaf fungus.
Many genera (eg Betula sp. and Acer sp.) exude fluid or bleed prodigiously following pruning in late winter or early spring. This is unlikely to have any deleterious effect and may even be of benefit by preventing the entry of harmful parasites.