Can I do tree pruning myself or is there more to it?
If you’ve ever looked out at an overgrown tree in your garden and thought, “How hard can it really be?” – you’re not alone. Tree pruning seems straightforward enough at a glance. A bit of trimming here, a little shaping there, and Bob’s your uncle, right? However, as with many things in life, reality can be quite a bit more complicated than it first appears.
In this post, we’ll dig into what tree pruning actually involves, how tricky it can be, and whether it’s something you can realistically tackle on your own – or if you’d be better off leaving it to a professional tree surgeon in Kings Lynn. Plus, if you’re still determined to give it a go, we’ll share some useful tips to help you do it as safely and successfully as possible.
Let’s get into it.
What's actually involved in tree pruning?
Tree pruning isn’t just about chopping off random branches that look a bit messy. Done properly, pruning is a highly skilled job that takes into account the health, safety, structure, and future growth of a tree.
A proper tree pruning job includes:
- Identifying dead, diseased, or damaged branches that could become hazardous or spread decay.
- Shaping the tree to promote strong structure and balanced growth – this is especially important for younger trees.
- Improving air circulation and light penetration which can help reduce the risk of fungal infections.
- Ensuring clearance from buildings, power lines, or public paths to keep the area safe.
- Timing the work correctly – pruning at the wrong time of year can cause stress or even kill the tree.
In short, tree pruning is not just an aesthetic touch-up. It’s a key part of tree care that affects the long-term health and safety of your outdoor space.
Tree pruning fact
Pruning improves a tree’s health by removing weak or crowded limbs, which reduces the risk of disease and allows more sunlight to reach lower branches and plants below.
How hard can it be, really?
This is the question most people ask right before things go pear-shaped.
Sure, you’ve got a mate with a trimmer, maybe even a chainsaw. And it’s tempting to think you’ll save yourself a few quid by sorting the job yourself. In theory, yes – you could do it. But when it goes wrong, it tends to go very wrong.
Here’s why:
- You might remove too much at once, weakening the tree or encouraging erratic growth.
- Incorrect cuts can leave the tree vulnerable to rot, pests, or disease.
- Working at height without the right safety gear can lead to serious injury or worse.
- Some trees have protected status in the UK, and pruning them without permission can land you with hefty fines.
Let’s not forget, a poorly pruned tree can become an ongoing liability, with weak limbs or lopsided growth that require years to correct – if they can be corrected at all.
To put it plainly: the potential cost of getting it wrong is far greater than the few hundred pounds you might save upfront. One damaged roof, injured back, or neighbour dispute later, and suddenly calling a local tree surgeon in Kings Lynn doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.
If you still want to try tree pruning yourself, read this first
Alright, let’s say you’ve read this far and you’re still keen to give it a go. Fair play. If you’re dealing with small trees or minor maintenance, there are a few things you can do safely with the right approach and precautions.
Here are some essential tips:
1. Know your tree
Different species respond differently to pruning. Some bleed sap heavily if pruned in winter, others should only be pruned after flowering. Learn the basic needs of the tree you’re working on and it’ll make a big difference.
2. Use the right tools
Don’t just grab a rusty saw from the shed. You’ll need clean, sharp pruning tools, ideally:
- Hand pruners for small twigs
- Loppers for branches under 2 inches
- A pruning saw for anything bigger
- Make sure everything is sterilised – dirty tools can transfer disease between plants
3. Never cut too close to the trunk
Avoid what’s known as a “flush cut.” Always cut just outside the branch collar (the swollen bit at the base of the branch). This helps the tree seal the wound properly and reduces the risk of infection.
4. Work in stages
Don’t remove more than 25% of the tree’s canopy in a single pruning session. Taking too much too fast can send the tree into shock, making it vulnerable to stress and disease.
5. Mind the ladder... and yourself
If you’re climbing up to prune, use a stable ladder and always have someone spot you. Better yet, leave the high work to a professional. Most home accidents involving trees happen because of poor ladder use.
Still unsure? Here's the bottom line
Let’s be honest – everyone knows someone with a chainsaw in the garage, and it’s easy to think that a bit of weekend pruning will save you a few hundred quid. But the reality is that “bit of pruning” can quickly spiral into damage that costs thousands to fix, or worse, leaves you with an injured back and a ruined tree. You’re far better off sparing yourself the stress and calling in a qualified local tree surgeon in King’s Lynn who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Pruning is one of those things that looks deceptively simple – until you’re halfway up a tree, realising you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to take care of your garden yourself. In fact, it’s rewarding work. But when it comes to tree pruning, there’s a very fine line between a tidy-looking tree and a dangerous mess.
For small jobs – yes, you can probably manage. For anything more complex, involving large branches, height, or tree health concerns, don’t risk it. Get in touch with a professional tree surgeon who can assess the tree properly, work safely, and do the job right the first time.
In the end, a healthy, well-pruned tree isn’t just safer – it’s also more beautiful and valuable to your property. That’s something worth investing in.
Need help with tree pruning in King’s Lynn or nearby? Contact us, your local tree care expert, today for advice, quotes, and peace of mind.