MTD TP720r - Manual (Page 9)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
9
PRUNING TIPS
Why Prune?
Trees need to be trained. If they are not, they may grow
into a tangled and potentially dangerous area of the yard.
Pruning is useful for sizing, shaping, removing
broken branches and maintaining the health of the tree.
When to Prune?
Pruning can be done at any time during the year. But, the
best time is during the dormant (winter) season.
What to Look for?
Finding problem areas in a tree can be difficult. Look for
and remove:
• Dead or dying branches. Cut them back to a healthy
branch or trunk because they may carry insects or
diseases.
• Branch stubs. These occur when a prior pruning was
done incorrectly or if a branch broke off during a storm.
Cut the stubs back to the closest healthy branch or
trunk.
• Future growth. If a tree limb is growing towards a fence
or building, remove it early. The older the tree, the
longer it takes for cutting wounds to heal.
How to Prune Correctly
• Don’t cause damage to the trunk bark by cutting too
close to the trunk.
• Cut the branch so that the wound is as small as
possible.
• Don’t leave a long branch stub. It can lead to rot or
insect infestation.
• Use a sharp blade to make cuts that are clean and
smooth.