Pruning is carried out for more than one reason.

1. To remove dead, damaged or diseased branches.
2. To maintain the shape of the tree and a healthy crown.
3. To control the overall size of the tree and growth of it's fruit or flower yields.

Remove large branches in smaller sections to reduce the risk of damage to the tree or surrounding objects.

Always undercut first, then overcut. This will prevent tearing the bark and ensure that you achieve a nice clean cut.

Do not cut flush with the trunk, as this places the trunk at risk from the cutting tool.

Plan your pruning carefully and do not remove any branches that will distort the shape of the tree.

Keeping the crown of the tree open alows sunlight to penetrate and this encourages healthy growth.

Ensure that you are familiar with the correct time of year to prune the particular tree as pruning times do vary.

Stand away from the branch that you are pruning and consider the use of a long reach pruning tool to promote safety.

Always wear goggles and a helmet when pruning.

Do not use mains electric pruning tools in wet weather and ensure that it is fitted with a circuit breaker.