Cleveland Small tree trimming advice from a professional. Most homeowners are comfortable with basic tree care like mulching, watering, and fertilizing. However, when it comes time to trim trees on your own you may not know where to start.

For large trees, VanCuren strongly advises using a professional Cleveland tree trimming service. For small trees there are best practices to follow when trimming on your own. So, how small is a “small tree”? A small tree has lightweight, skinnier branches and a canopy that is at eye-level. On the other hand, a tree that is larger with heavy branches and will require the use of a ladder to reach the branches is too big for DIY tree trimming methods. Do not attempt to trim a tree, regardless of size, that is sitting near your house or a power line. Leave large or conveniently situated trees like these to the professionals for the safety of you and your home.

How to Trim a Small Cleveland, OH Tree

Follow these fundamental guidelines when planning to trim your tree yourself.

• Take a few steps back and look at the balance and overall shape or composition of the tree. This will help you plan out the branches that you will cut and leave the branches to keep.
• Visualize your tree as a clock and its branches as the hands. Keep any branches that are growing at the 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock angles relative to the trunk and look to trim branches that protrude at odd angles or that dip too low to the ground.
  • Also, make sure to remove branches that have grown across the centerline of the tree. For example, a branch is attached to the tree on the right side and has grown in the opposite direction and is bent across the tree to sit on the left.
• Declutter by trimming away any overgrowth, dead branches or twigs, and weeds around the trunk or roots.
• Cut off the branches you planned to trim. We recommend only removing 25% of the tree’s canopy. The other 75% is necessary for the tree’s growth.

If you are unsure or have any questions about how to DIY trim a tree on your Cleveland property, you can call any of our trained arborists at VanCuren. First and foremost, we at VanCuren want you to stay safe. Remember that these guidelines for DIY trimming apply only to small trees! You should never attempt to trim a big or tall Cleveland, OH tree by yourself.