How To Cut High Branches? 4 Safely Proven Methods!

Knowing how to cut high branches is crucial to ensuring your yard or garden is aesthetically pleasing and safe. It also improves tree health and gives it a clean appearance.

Do you have experience trimming tree branches by yourself? You know how difficult it can be to reach high branches, especially if the trees are overgrown. No matter what material you are cutting, securing the right equipment is the first step in preparation. Cutting high branches can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.

An arborist can cut tree branches using a pole saw, a pruner, or a bucket saw. To prevent potential falls and injuries, you should also monitor every move. 

By the time you’ve finished reading, it will be easy to handle even the highest limbs and branches! The focus of this article is to show you how to cut high branches. Additionally, we will talk about the best time to cut them and various strategies for solving the problem.

How To Cut High Branches?

The truth is, there is an easy way to cut down high tree branches (we’re talking 30 feet plus) without training to be an acrobat, purchasing climbing equipment, or paying professionals hundreds of dollars.

This high tree branch can be an obstruction to an otherwise beautiful view, cause wear and tear on your roof shingles, or be an unsightly dead branch. 

As well as looking out for your safety, experts also want to make sure that your tree is protected. As a result, it is crucial to make clean cuts in the tree to prevent damaging the bark or interfering with the tree’s natural healing abilities.

A tree makes callus tissue that covers a wound created by cutting off a branch. As a result of the callus tissue, you can prevent disease and decay from affecting the tree. A tree branch not cut correctly can hinder its healing process, resulting in the tree becoming weak and possibly no longer growing. 

First, you should make a small notch in the branch rather than a full cut. Approximately 2-3 feet away from the tree’s trunk, you should do this at the bottom of the branch. Cut about a quarter of the way through the branch.

When Should Branches Be Trimmed?

Replacing a pruning blade with a reciprocating saw is the best way to cut branches. Additionally, choosing the right time to DIY tree trimming is as essential as using the right equipment. To protect the tree’s health, it is best to cut it in the winter.

Tree dormancy occurs in the winter. There is, therefore, less risk of diseases and pests attacking it. A pest can quickly spread to other trees even if it attacks only one. So, it might be a danger for the whole backyard. You should act immediately if you notice sick branches. 

You can prevent this disease from spreading by cutting away damaged high tree limbs. Tree limb cutters benefit from not having too much wind, rain, or cold weather. The best time to go is a winter afternoon when the temperature is relatively warm for that time of year.

How Can Branches And Limbs Be Cut?

You can use several ways to cut tree limbs, which is good news if you have wondered how to do it. Take a look at this expert advice and choose the best method.

1. Pruning With A Pole Pruner

Using a pole pruner is the most common way to remove a limb. The simple design allows easy access to high branches, but not every pruner fits every branch. Determine the height of your branches before cutting them. Using a tape measure or other methods to determine the size is recommended by experts.

Once you have the height determined, you can choose the appropriate pruner. Pole pruners are nothing more than tall tree trimmers. Some have a fixed size, whereas others are adjustable. Consequently, an extension can be added if needed.

2. Pole Saws Can Be Used

Another extension pruning tool is the pole saw. Pole saws come with a blade and an extendable rod. This means that it can reach a height of 20 feet, which is impressive.

The saws, however, are not made to rip through thick branches. Thus, the maximum branch thickness you can cut with it is between 2 and 3 inches. Experts recommend finding a more suitable alternative if the branches are thick.

3. Use A Pocket Saw And Rope

It’s easy to cut branches with this method, but some think it’s improvised. In addition, it’s an affordable option when you need to cut a limb that’s much too high.

For this reason, it’s best to get a strong rope with which to attach the saw firmly. Your rope should have the correct length rather than be assertive. You should throw it over your branch before starting to cut it.

Trees can be tricky to trim with a rope saw, but it allows a job to be completed without significant investment. Make sure the blade is positioned adequately at the right height by pulling the rope. Continue cutting until the branch is removed.

4. Call a Professional

No doubt, cutting high branches is not an easy task; it will require your effort. Moreover, it can expose you to the risk of injuries if you don’t have the experience. In this case, you may have to call people who are experts in the field to help you out. Although it may be expensive, you’ll be saving time and limiting your chances of getting injured. 

5. Use Bucket Lifts

Another great option is to rent a bucket lift, even though it can be expensive. It will make accessing the tree branches easy, and then you can use your cutting tools to get rid of them. All you have to do is choose the one that corresponds with the branch’s height. 

When Is the Best Time to Cut High Tree Branches?

Since plants are usually dormant during the winter, it’s best to cut the branches during this period. There are fewer chances of pests and diseases attacking the tree. Understand that if pests and diseases infest a plant, they’ll likely attack other healthy plants around it. Hence, when you cut an affected tree branch during the cold months, other plants will be safe. Moreover, it’s always easier to cut the branches when the weather is cool.

When Trimming Tree Limbs, What Should You Pay Attention To?

You must approach a tree branch cutting project with extreme caution. Here are some safety measures you should consider! Dress and equipment according to the current weather conditions. For example, when you work on trees, you need safety goggles to protect your eyes from pine needles and tree dust.

While climbing, gloves will keep your hands safe from scratches, and anti-slip shoes will keep you stable. In addition to the right tools, it’s crucial to have the proper knowledge.

Select appropriate equipment accordingly. Pole pruners are excellent for thin branches, but high limb rope chainsaws are needed for some projects.

Tips To Follow When Practicing Safety

The following safety tips should be considered when cutting a high tree branch:

• Consider the power source of your tool and wear clothes that do not conduct electricity well if you’re using an electric saw.
• The best thing to do if the tree has power or cable lines is to contact a professional. 
• Be aware of where the branch will fall whenever you remove a branch and make sure no one is hurt.
• Ensure you wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, glasses, and gloves.

Read another post on garden care: Does Potting Mix Go Bad?

Summary

Whether in your backyard or any other location, you can now handle removing high branches from trees. Among the methods mentioned, you can choose anyone if it is safe. It is vital to select the right tool and determine the best way for your project. 

Frequently Asked Questions