How, when or why? Are the first questions you need to ask before pruning any tree. According to A300 you need a purpose and goal in your pruning. So I'm bored and I figured that this will kill sometime isn't a good reason. Let's examine this again:
I looked at the tree in the garden and there are some rubbing branches, suckers (correctly called water sprouts) and deadwood. So the purpose of the pruning is to clean the deadwood and unwanted growth from the tree. When is a good time, the old saw "a good time to prune is when the saw is sharp" works occasionally. A better time would be when you expect a period of growth to aid in wound closure, when the spring rise of "sap" won't run from the tree and become unsightly and when you have the time available to do the job right the first time.
Once this has been established the how comes into play. What tools are available and how do I access the tree properly and safely. PPE if you don't know what that is stop you shouldn't be doing tree work call a pro. Small ornamental think hand tools, hand pruners like Felco bypass type works great on branches under 1/2", small fine tool hand saws (plenty to pick from) works fine. A pole pruner with a good and sharp Marvin head type works nicely on the hard to reach stuff. Leave the chainsaw behind unless the deadwood is greater than 3". To access the tree a small step ladder works nice, if you have to climb remember the rope and saddle for safety.
Now develop a work plan, where to start, what branches need to be removed, where to place my ladder? Answer these before you start cutting. Now get to work. I like to start by removing all the larger dead branches working my way up bottom to top, next the suckers and finally rubbing limbs selecting those that will have the least impact on opening the canopy up first. Lastly, I look for crowded areas in the upper and outer canopy; here I can thin to improve for air and light.
The last part is always the clean up and putting those tools away for the next time.
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