Before cutting a branch, name the reason. Is it dead? Does it cross another limb? Is it growing into a roof or walkway? A clear purpose helps you avoid removing healthy growth just because you have a saw in your hand.
One of the most important principles is knowing when to trim. In North Florida, most deciduous trees should be pruned during late winter dormancy -- roughly December through February -- when the tree is not actively growing and pest pressure is lowest. Live oaks are best pruned during dry periods to minimize the risk of oak wilt, a fungal disease that can spread through fresh pruning wounds. Avoid heavy pruning during the spring flush of new growth, as this depletes the tree's energy reserves at a critical time. Flowering trees like dogwoods and redbuds should be trimmed right after their blooms fade so you do not sacrifice next year's flower display.
When making cuts, always prune back to a branch collar or lateral branch rather than leaving stubs or making flush cuts against the trunk. Stub cuts leave dead wood that decays and attracts insects, while flush cuts remove the branch collar tissue that the tree needs to seal the wound properly. Never top a tree -- the practice of cutting back large branches to stubs to reduce height. Topping triggers dense clusters of weakly attached sprouts that are far more prone to failure than the original branches, and it severely stresses the tree. If a tree has grown too large for its location, a certified arborist can perform crown reduction pruning that lowers the profile while preserving the tree's structural integrity.
For small ornamental trees and low branches you can safely reach from the ground, basic pruning is a reasonable DIY task as long as you use sharp, clean tools and follow proper technique. However, any work that requires a ladder, involves branches near utility lines, or deals with large limbs that could cause property damage should be left to professionals. Miller's Tree Service handles pruning projects of all sizes throughout the Tallahassee area, from routine maintenance trimming to complex structural work on mature canopy trees. Our arborists can also create a pruning schedule tailored to the specific species on your property so every tree gets attention at the right time of year.
