How to Prune a Tree Using the 3 Cut Method

In this video, Kenny, our Marketing Director here at Russell Tree Experts, shows you how to prune a tree using the 3 cut method! This is a brief introduction to tree pruning (and not tree trimming) to help you remove that pesky limb that keeps hitting you when mowing your lawn or that keeps hitting your car when pulling into the driveway. For more information, check out our latest Arbor Ed article written by ISA certified arborist Mike Wilson on this topic of the 3 cut method!

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[cgraham]

You are amazing, I now feel comfortable pruning my tree. I especially like when you mentioned, you don’t need to know how to climb a tree let the experts do that. ❤

[nfs]

Terms like "undercut" and "overcut" are what make people get their blades and bars pinched in limbs.

I call it doing a CT scan.
C= Compression
T = Tension

The Compression side of a limb is not always on the bottom, nor is it always on the top if it's not on the bottom. It can be at any angle around the limb.
But once you've identified which angle it is, just replace your term "undercut" with "Compression Cut" and fewer people will have their blades and bars pinched, which is really what causes many injuries.

[IceMan-pplv]

I did it with an electric Sawzall in half the time

[Nollyton]

Great video! thanks for the handsaw warning too

[qrnzwij]

To avoid struggling with the saw try letting it do the cutting. Don’t push it into the wood, just let it stroke back & forward through the whole length of the blade. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is. 👌

[asterixky]

Someone please tell him of the inventions of power tools.

[kevinsturtevant]

How about just simple small branches you can lob off. I’m often wondering where to cut them back to and if angle makes any difference.

[acts.]

Great video thank u. Been learning this in my current course :) 🙏

[rondail]

I have a maple tree with a big 5 inch branch in my way. Is it OK to cut off a big diameter branch?

[suzens.]

Does it matter the time of year to prune? I have a 6-7 year old ornamental that’s just starting to get its leaves. We are in zone 6b. Thanks

[olympicviewable]

Maybe some leather gloves would be good idea

[lockedout]

Warns about hand injuries while not wearing gloves, classic.

[Hithere-ekqt]

You really don’t need that irritating background music. Some of us with hearing difficulties find it extremely annoying.

[perezsan]

Well, you talk so much that I pruned myself out of this video before you got to the cut part.

[gregb]

Totally unsafe. You have to take the weight off the tree limb so it's not so heavy