Whether cutting storm-damaged branches and dead limbs, regulating growth or shaping a tree for aesthetic purposes, regular trimming is important to promoting a healthy, good-looking tree.
Step 9: Use a folding hand-saw for mid-sized branches. A more maneuverable saw for mid-sized branches that can be reached from the ground is the folding hand saw. Make two cuts with the hand saw: first, one horizontal cut from the bottom to stop the tearing of the bark when the branch breaks off, and then one horizontal cut just above it from the top to cut the branch. These folding hand saws make short work of trimming mid-sized limbs from the ground.
Make two cuts with the hand saw—one from below, then one from above.
Always work from the ground when trimming or pruning trees. Never prune trees from a ladder. When cutting, always stand to the side and away from an overhead branch. If a tree requires heavy trimming or working up in a tree, a tree service professional is strongly recommended.
