How to prune trees safely: step-by-step DIY guide

A well-pruned tree stays healthy, gets more light and is no danger to the house or the neighbours. As a DIYer you can easily maintain small trees and low branches. Working on high branches is more dangerous than many people think. In this blog you will read how to prune safely and where the limit lies.

⚠️ Do not work near power lines and never climb a tree with a saw. If large or high branches have to come off, or the tree stands next to a building, fence or cable, leave it to a qualified tree surgeon. Calling in a professional is never superfluous.

What do you need to prune trees?

Which tools do you need?

• A pruning saw for branches up to about five centimetres thick.
• A telescopic hedge shears for thin branches and twigs a little higher up.
• A sturdy folding ladder with handle for low branches, only on level, firm ground.

Which clean-up tools do you need?

• A hand rake and a fan rake for prunings and leaves.
• A cordless blower to quickly clear the patio and lawn.

Personal protective equipment

• garden gloves with latex coating or work gloves with nitrile coating against splinters and thorns.
• safety goggles against falling twigs and sawdust.
• A safety helmet and earmuffs when working under branches or with a noisy machine.
• safety shoe for a firm footing on uneven ground.
• A safety harness is only suitable after instruction and for work by a trained professional.

Preparation

Choose a dry, windless day and place the ladder on level ground. Look at the tree from all sides and decide which branches must go: dead, diseased, crossing or in the way. Check that there are no cables or nests, and cordon off the area so nobody walks under the tree.

Step by step: how to prune a branch safely

1. Start with dead and diseased wood. Then prune crossing branches and branches growing inwards.
2. Cut a heavy branch in sections. First make an undercut a few centimetres beyond where you will cut the branch off.
3. Saw through the branch from above, slightly beyond the undercut, so the bark does not tear.
4. Cut the remaining stub just outside the branch collar, without cutting into the trunk.
5. Never let branches drop when someone is standing below.
6. Clear the prunings straight away.

💡 Use clean, sharp tools. A neat cut heals faster than a torn one.

Common mistakes

• Cutting away too much at once.
• Sawing a heavy branch off in one go.
• Working on a ladder with a saw above shoulder height.
• Working in wind or near cables.

Frequently asked questions

When should I prune a tree?

That depends on the species. You usually prune outside the growing season; if in doubt, ask a tree surgeon for advice.

Can I saw off high branches myself?

Not if that requires climbing or a tall ladder. Leave that to a professional.

What do I do with the prunings?

Follow the local rules for garden waste. Thin branches can often be chipped or bundled. You can read more about garden tools in our guide to Stalco Garden tools and about gloves in our blog on gardening gloves and tools.

Read also: How to trim a hedge and How to get your garden ready for winter

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.