How to prune a large branch

When it's time to prune it's time to prune.   The day has come to get out the ladder and cut off some of those dead and dying branches or maybe you're cutting off a bigger branch to let some sun shine in.

Whether you're using a pole saw, hand saw or a big ol chain saw, how to cut the branch remains the same.

3 Steps to pruning a branch.

1. This is called the under cut.   You do this so when you do the top cut and the branch starts to lean and probably breaks.  This cut prevents the bark from peeling all the way down the trunk, which will hurt the tree.  You want to do this cut about 12"-18" from the main stem or trunk. The undercut is important for cut 2 and ensures your saw won't bind.

2. Now this is the top cut.  When you do this cut you want it to be about 1"-2" above the undercut.  As you cut the branch will start to lean and will break off under its own weight.

3. Now to cut off the nub.  You want to be sure to cut close to the trunk but not so close you get into the branch collar.  This is where the tree heals it's self and if injured the area will not heal properly.

That is the way to cut a branch off of a tree!!!