Pruning is a very delicate task and the most important thing is to respect the harmony and development of the tree, avoiding incorrect and harmful interventions such as indiscriminate cuts. We must do it from the first year so that growth and shape are harmonious. Dead, damaged or weak branches must be eliminated. When pruning, it is as important to do it at the right time and to the right extent as to perform the appropriate technique. The cut must be clean, oblique, close to a bud or a knot and, as far as possible, it must be made on branches of not too large a diameter.

Some tips for pruning trees correctly:

• Crossed branches: we cannot leave branches that are directed towards the trunk, intertwine or rub against each other. We will eliminate them, leaving only those that grow in an “o” shape with respect to the trunk.

• Roots: the roots of trees and shrubs also produce shoots. These new shoots are very harmful to the growth of the plant, as they absorb nutrients, so they must be removed. We can use a hand saw.

• Cutting: to cut branches with a diameter greater than 7.5 cm we can use a pruning saw. First we will have to clean all those branches that have grown on it to prevent it from getting stuck during its fall. Then we will make a cut along the lower part of the branch to prevent it from breaking under its own weight.

• Sawing: with the chainsaw we will finish the cut at the top. If the branch is very heavy, we will cut it into manageable pieces.

• Scars: we will always try to keep the scar as small as possible, to avoid the risk of possible diseases. For this reason, we will try to cut vertical branches before inclined ones. The cut must be clean, which is achieved with a good Japanese-cut saw or a special pruning saw.