A bad pruning cut can hurt a tree more than the branch that was removed.
Cutting too close to the trunk removes the collar that helps a tree seal and heal itself, while cutting too far out leaves a stub that invites decay and disease. The right cut follows the branch's natural collar, angled to shed water and close over cleanly within a season or two, rather than staying open to rot and insects for years.
This is part of why DIY pruning with a chainsaw and a ladder often does more harm than good, especially on larger limbs. A trained eye also knows which branches to leave alone entirely, since over-pruning stresses a tree just as much as neglecting it does, and a certified arborist can spot that difference in minutes.
Have you ever pruned a tree yourself and wondered afterward if you'd cut it the right way?
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An authentic close-up photo of a proper pruning cut, or a crew member pruning a tree on site. Real job photos are preferred over stock imagery.
Canva text suggestion: "The Right Cut Matters" or "Pruning Done the Right Way"