Never attempt to remove fallen trees and limbs from power lines. Crews will be out to check the problem as soon as possible. Private Trees Generally speaking, tree pruning should be left to the professionals. It is difficult and sometimes even dangerous work. Small Jobs Armed with a good, sharp pair of pruning shears, most people can handle simple jobs such as trimming off suckers.
Suckers are opportunistic sprouts usually found growing at the base of a tree.
They syphon off water and nutrients meant for leaves at the top of the tree. On large branches, the first cut removes most of the limb. By relieving the weight of the branch, it's easier to make a clean final cut. There is no need to paint cuts. When pruned correctly, trees heal themselves.