How to Cut Branches from a Tall Tree (Easy Guide)

Published on: January 6, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

One of the frequently asked questions by the gardeners is when is the best time to cut the high branches of the trees? It actually depends on the situation of the trees. The trees need proper care. In the natural environment, proper growth of the trees depends on sufficient sunlight and phototropism. Besides, it is crucial to maintain the good health of the trees. Else, there could be a risk of contracting disease and pest infection. They could even cause the wound of the trees and spread the disease to the other trees around.

Though the maintenance of the trees is a little complex, negligence to it can lead to more serious consequences. However, a regular trimming of the branches can protect the trees from damage, infection and prolonged decay. Also, routine maintenance can prevent the sudden fall of the large branches which could be extremely injurious and fatal to lives. However, sometimes cutting branches from a tall tree needs a few simple tools and little know-how to efficiently accomplish your small project.  

Having said that, this article is designed to inform you about how to cut branches from a tall tree. Before going to the cutting task, it’s important for you to take care of some of the aspects of the tree including proper growth, appropriate time for trimming, minimizing cutting mistakes, preventing pest infection and disease etc.   

Considerable Factors for Proper Trimming

The notch cut suggests making a slight slit in the bottom of the branch, a little higher from the stem to protect the yelp from splitting and allow you to go for the next cut as well. 

The relief cut is to split entirely through the branch outside of the notch to reduce the load of the branch and allow you to proceed for the final cut by preventing falling of the branch. During the relief cut, take care of the notch while trimming the branch. Else, it would pose a risk to the branch of being fragmented off which in turn could cause wound and infection on the trunk leading to substantial damage to it.     

The final cut starts right from the neckline of the branch where the angle remains exposed. You can position your saw even from the bottom to cut in case the saw does not fit into the groin at the right angle.    

It’s strongly recommended not to cut right at the collar as it helps in growing scar tissue. If the cut is made into the collar of the branch, it could cause holes being spoiled or leaking wounds which are extremely hard to heal in a short period of time. 

It’s not ideal to make the cut leaving the branch too long into the branch collar. Because the branch collar helps recover the wound if any is detected on the trunk. Therefore, if the portion of the branch is left too long while cutting, it would interrupt the healing process supported by the branch collar. 

If the trimming is done to prevent infection, it is suggested to spread disinfectant over the tools after each trimming so as to protect the other trees from getting infected.  

However, here I would suggest the easiest way to cut the branches of a tall tree though there are few other ways to do this job too. For cutting branches, a few things you would need are as follows:

Safety wears (Goggles, helmet, boots), chainsaw or pole saw, pruning shears, pruning poles etc.  

Set up a Ladder

Set up your ladder on the ground in a way so that it stands firmly. If necessary, clamp it on the earth securely so that it does not move or fall down. Also you can employ a person to hold the ladder to ensure it does not slip while climbing.  

Assess the Situation of the Tree 

Before going for cutting, the first thing is to properly assess the status of your tree including identifying damage and dead branches. Also take care of electrical wires or lines if any running into the tree or any other abnormalities which needs to be resolved first.  

Trim Overgrown or Dead Branches

It’s good to start with trimming off the overgrown, dead or infected portion of the tree with the pruning loppers and pruning pole. Else, the infected portion may damage the healthy portion of the tree and even could be more detrimental to the portion standing underneath the tree. Keep going with the pruning task until you achieve a desired result.  

Use Chainsaw for Cutting Branches

Chainsaw is the best tool to use for cutting from small to large branches of a tall tree. It can cut straight through the branches of the tree. If the branches are too large or too thick which the chainsaw can’t cover, we would suggest you look for other cutting options while dealing with your project. Always take into account the ideal way to start cutting right from the notch of the branches at the bottom and then gradually proceed to cut through the top branches of the tree. 

Before going for the final cut, make a relief cut which was discussed earlier to decrease some load of the branches and prevent the branches from getting hazardously fixed on the chainsaw. 

What Type of Saw is Best to Use When Cutting Branches From a Tall Tree

The best type of saw to use when cutting branches from a tall tree is a pole saw. Pole saws are designed to reach higher branches and can be fitted with a variety of blades for different cutting tasks.

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Cutting Branches From a Tall Tree

1. Wear a hard hat and goggles to protect your head and eyes from falling debris.

2. Use a sturdy ladder or platform to reach the higher branches.

3. Secure the ladder or platform with rope or straps to the trunk or nearby stable objects.

4. Have a spotter on the ground to watch for falling branches or debris.

5. When cutting, use a chainsaw with a sharp blade, and ensure the chainsaw is in good working order.

6. Avoid cutting branches that are dead or rotten as these may break away unexpectedly.

7. Be aware of your surroundings and look for power lines, other branches, or obstructions that may be in the way of the falling branches.

8. Make sure the area below the tree is clear of people and objects.

9. Take frequent breaks and use a harness and safety lines when working in higher branches.

Is the Technique for Cutting Down a Small Tree With a Saw Similar to Cutting Branches from a Tall Tree?

Yes, the technique for using a saw for trees to cut down a small tree is similar to cutting branches from a tall tree. When cutting down a small tree, it’s important to ensure a clear escape route to avoid injury from falling branches or the tree itself.

Caution While Cutting

Always have extra vigilance while going through the cutting job. During each cut, make sure the branch falls safely on the earth and does not cause any injury to humans or the tree.

Additional Tips

Maintain safety protocol and wear safety equipment like goggles, helmet, boots, gloves etc. while on operation. 

Get a tripod ladder, appropriately tall, a most recommended one for cutting branches.  

A good quality chainsaw is recommended for trimming or cutting branches from a tall tree.

If the trimming is done to prevent infection, it is suggested to spread disinfectant over the tools after each trimming so as to protect the other trees from getting infected.  

Final Words

I hope that you have got a general idea through this article about some basic rules to cut branches from the long trees. A few important factors related to trimming have been discussed earlier for your learning so you must take care of those factors before proceeding to the cutting task. This would not only protect the good health of the trees, also it would prevent injuries while on operation.  

I hope you find this article useful for your upcoming trimming projects. If you need our consultation, we are there to support you at the soonest possible time. As usual, your valuable comments and feedback are always appreciated. We would be able to extend our excellent clients’ services to more people if you could share this article with your friends, relatives, and colleagues.

Relevant Resources:

• How to Fix Splintered Wood
• How to Avoid Common Power Tool Accidents