There are many ways to prune a tree, but there's only one foolproof method that prevents surviving branches from developing fungus and makes sure the bark stays intact and the tree's structural tissue isn't damaged: it's called the three-cut method. Make the first and second cuts about 12 inches from the trunk. When pruning a branch from a tree, use the three-cut method. To avoid tearing the bark, prune large branches in three cuts. Figure 6 Pruning at the branch collar encourages formation of a callus that seals the wound and protects the tree. Annual heavy pruning is essential to insure the prolific bloom and long-life of a rose bush. Posted on July 7, 2019 by Angelo (admin) The first step in pruning a tree, before making and cuts to change the shape or size of a tree, is to remove any dead, diseased or broken branches. Pruning Methods (also consult the American Rose Society : Pruning). Explaining the concept of rose pruning without a live bush to demonstrate on is difficult, so let your mind loose to help visualize the following steps in rose pruning. Make a small cut, several inches up from the branch collar on the underside of the branch. Tag Archives: three-cut method for pruning branches. Tree Pruning, How to Remove Tree Branches Correctly. One of the practices we do NOT do is topping trees. cut back into healthy wood, but sterilize your pruning equipment first in case you’ve cut into diseased wood previously, I use a mixture of 70% methylated spirits with 30% water in a spray bottle, some people use a 10% bleach solution-90% water mix for the same purpose. Use a clean, sharp pruning hand saw to make all of the cuts. There are several methods to pruning trees. I would prune after harvest as the weather will be warmer and drier, minimizing potential entry of disease into pruning cuts. When pruning a tree branch, look for the branch collar, the swollen or ridged area where the branch attaches to the tree trunk. Make the third cut near the branch collar at 45 degrees to the trunk. This first cut should be approximately ¼ of the way through the branch. Then follow the three-cut method. Treating wounds Many arborists swear by the three-cut method of pruning … Reduction is a practice that focuses on the skillful and discriminate reduction of stems that may need to be cut back for several reasons.