Safety should come first, whether you're pruning one backyard fruit tree or a whole commercial pecan orchard. Wearing proper clothing, using sharp tools, working alone and avoiding power lines will reduce the risks.
Eyes are especially vulnerable to injuries from pointed branches, vines and twigs.
Runyan recommends wearing safety glasses because regular eyeglasses or sunglasses don't provide enough protection for the sides of the face. Shoes or boots with a good tread can help provide traction on loose or slippery ground. Falling may cause back injuries or wounds from tools. Steel-toed footwear provides extra protection. Never carry tools in your pockets because you can easily injure yourself in a fall, Runyan said.