As the ideal pruning season has arrived, Close is offering some tips to help homeowners avoid the unkindest cuts of all.
Trees use sap to make leaves, flowers and fruit.
Pruning branches that contain this vital foodstuff means trees have less in reserve. Overly enthusiastic pruning also hurts trees. Never take off more than a third of a tree's limbs at any one time, Close says, and if you prune that heavily, leave the tree alone for the next one or two pruning seasons. Follow the one-third rule when choosing which tree limbs to prune as well. Eliminate those that rub against each other.