News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohioans planning to trim their backyard trees this spring are reminded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) not to cut off the top of a tree while pruning.

"One of the most common pruning mistakes is to cut off the top of a tree," said Drew Todd, an urban forester with ODNR's Division of Forestry. "Topping a tree is not recommended, as it damages the tree and promotes structurally unsound growth."

According to Todd, proper pruning can improve a tree's health and overall appearance. The first step to pruning backyard trees is to identify damaged branches and structural defects, including broken and dead branches, or limbs that are rubbing. Once the tree has been examined, the proper branches should be trimmed back to a main branch or another lateral limb.

Hand pruners are recommended for trimming branches less than one-quarter of an inch in diameter, while larger limbs often require thinning with either pruning loppers or a handsaw.

Todd noted that larger trees are more difficult to prune, calling for the expertise of a professional arborist or tree trimmer. To find a certified arborist, interested persons should refer to their local Yellow Pages. Todd recommends asking the perspective arborist about insurance coverage, qualifications and customer references.