How to Hand-Prune Trees | Ask Roger | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows the proper way to prune a branch without damaging the tree. (See below for a tools list and steps.)

Tools List for How to Hand-Prune Trees:
- Pruning saw

Steps for How to Hand-Prune Trees:
1. Trim tree branches with a sharp pruning saw using the three-cut method.
2. First, make an undercut into the bottom of the branch. Start cutting about 12 inches away from the tree trunk, and saw one-third of the way into the branch.
3. Then saw into the top of the branch about 2 inches farther out and beyond the undercut.
4. Continue cutting until the branch breaks free and drops to the ground.
5. Now make the third and final cut to trim away the remaining branch. However, be careful not to saw into the branch collar.
6. Carry away the severed pieces of the branch.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Hand-Prune Trees | Ask Roger | Ask This Old House

[IAmNotAFunguy]

RIP Roger Cook. We learned so much from him and he always made sure landscaping seemed easy.

[mumintaha]

I'm enjoying your channel so much! Thank you for sharing all this.

[red_freckle]

I did this to my trees months ago but they still haven't grown any prunes. Any suggestions?

[fmartino]

Hi Roger, another great video thanks for showing us the proper way to trim a tree and keep it health. Frank..P.S. it didn't look like a Prune tree to me :-)

[TheVictorEffect]

Great video! Funny how I have that planned for tomorrow

[tygrahof]

As an educated and professional soul; I still find this channel constantly helpful and informative. Time to prune MY tree. LOL

[An_Urban_monk]

What is the deal with covering the cut limb nub with tar or some kind of substance? Is it necessary?

[MrNascar]

Seeing Rahgah in HD like this is strangely unsettling.

[lifeinpictures]

You forgot to mention, any cut larger than 2 inches needs to be sealed.

[burgbuilds]

0:38 - my dad when he caught me drinking a beer at 17 y/o.

[akh]

What brand is that and which model? Like your video ✌

[lifeinpictures]

How many "A"s are there in Luv TOH!!! Still waiting for a great Blooper reel!

[mathieugillet]

how would you fix the "wrong" method if it happened?

[Kristina-gzwu]

Roger what time of year is the best time to do this?

[CamelCS]

So... Why is "How to Hand Prune Trees" on YouTube's trending section with 4.8k views.

[netenemy]

It'll heal properly and be happy except for that bad example in the beginning that'll leave a difficult to heal wound.

Thanks for screwing over the tree for my benefit.

[Maxid]

CAUTION! Trees may have been harmed in the making of this video.

[joedirt]

This guy and my father are so similar it's scary.

[stevealaska]

A handSARR? Why not a chainSARR? Two cuts, & done. No?

[tubewaldek]

I was sorry for the tree... because of that "wrong technique" example. Can't you show some drawing or an animation? (Instead of damaging living tree.)