Pruning is an important part of caring for a tree, whether you're helping to develop its shape, lifting the canopy or removing a branch that no longer needs to be there. But it's not just a question of which branch you remove. Where you make the cut matters, too.

In this video, our founder Philip demonstrates how to prune a tree correctly, explaining why leaving a stub behind can make it harder for the tree to close over the wound, and what to look for when making a cut.

Why does the position of a pruning cut matter?

When a branch is removed, the tree begins the process of closing over the exposed area. This takes energy, and the way the branch is cut can make that process easier or more difficult.

One common mistake is to cut a branch off but leave a short length of it attached to the trunk or remaining branch. This is known as leaving a branch stub.

The problem is that the tree cannot close over the stub in the same way it can around a correctly positioned cut. The remaining wood may die back, leaving the tree with a wound that takes longer to cover.

Making the cut in the right place helps the tree manage the wound naturally, allowing it to put its energy towards continued growth and the development of a healthy canopy.

How to make the right cut

When you're preparing to remove a branch, take a moment to look closely at where it joins the trunk or the larger branch it's growing from.

You'll often be able to see a slight swelling around the base of the branch, along with a crease where the branch meets the trunk. These features help you identify the area involved in the tree's natural wound response.

The aim is to remove the branch without damaging this area.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid leaving a stub. Don't cut too far away from the point where the branch joins the trunk or parent branch.

• Don't cut flush with the trunk. Cutting into the branch collar can damage the tissues that help the tree close over the wound.

• Look carefully before you cut. The natural shape of the branch union gives you useful clues about where to make your cut.

• Give the tree the best chance to recover. A correctly positioned cut allows the tree to begin closing over the wound without having to deal with an unnecessarily long stub.

The important thing is to find the right balance: remove the branch cleanly while leaving the tree's natural protective structures intact.

How do you know if a tree is healing well?

Trees have their own ways of responding to damage. Over time, you may notice new growth forming around the edges of an old pruning wound, gradually growing inwards.

In the video, Philip shows examples on a field maple that has been growing for many years. One pruning wound is already beginning to close, while another is almost completely covered.

This growth is part of the tree's natural response to a wound. The time it takes will depend on factors such as the size of the wound, the tree's condition and its growing environment.

A tree that is in good health is generally better placed to respond to damage, whether that's from pruning, rabbits or other causes. While we can't prevent every wound, we can take care to avoid creating unnecessary ones.

Pruning with the tree in mind

It's easy to think of pruning as a way to shape a tree, but it's worth remembering that every cut affects the tree itself.

Whether you're lifting a canopy or removing a branch, take the time to consider what you're cutting and where. The aim isn't simply to remove the wood; it's to do so in a way that works with the tree's natural growth and wound response.

As Philip explains in the video, trees can manage wounds as part of their normal development. Our job is to avoid making that process harder than it needs to be.

Watch the video above to see Philip demonstrate the difference between a poorly positioned cut and a correctly made pruning cut.

At New Wood Trees, we believe that understanding how trees grow is one of the best ways to care for them well.

If you enjoyed this video, you can also find lots more information on our tree care and planting advice page here.

About New Wood Trees

We are an artisan tree nursery specialising in field grown multi-stem trees and shrubs. We grow approximately 13,000 trees in the beautiful rolling fields of South Devon and have over 100 varieties for you to choose from.

All our trees are grown in here for at least five years, during which time they are lovingly hand pruned to create a beautifully sculpted distinctive shape and structure. They are all hugely individual and full of character due to their environment and our care. We warmly encourage you to visit our nursery in person.

To immerse yourself and experience the trees in a way that you simply can’t from websites and photographs. You’ll be able to choose your preferred trees, understand their individual character, and tag them in person. Leaving with peace of mind that you will receive exactly what is needed to suit your design. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange your nursery tour.

For more information about our nursery and how we grow our artisan, sculpted, multi-stem trees please head to our about us page. 

To learn more about our trees and what stock we currently have available, please head to our stock pages or Contact Us to discuss your specific needs.

If you'd like to learn more about what we mean by 'Multi-stem trees'? Check out our explainer here.

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SEASON: Autumn/Winter | THEME: Tree Care Advice | THEME: Pruning