MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development

Department of Forestry

URBAN FORESTRY AND LANDSCAPING

FOR 123

ACTIVITY NO. 5
PRUNING METHODS

Submitted by:
DAHILIG, KRAZZEL JOY P.
LISTA, MIA-JESSICA B.

Submitted to:
FOR. CHARLIE MAINE G. CACACTIN

December 22, 2023

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry
FOR 123 URBAN FORESTRY AND LANDSCAPING
ACTIVITY NO. 5
PRUNING METHODS

Introduction

Pruning is a crucial practice in plant physiology that involves removing

damaged or weak limbs to improve a tree's health and reduce the risk of damage. It

involves various techniques such as cleaning, thinning, reducing, and raising. Each

method has its own nuances, and the best approach depends on the type of plant,

its age, and desired outcome. Pruning is a skill that develops with practice, and

starting with small cuts and observing the plant's response before making bigger

ones can be rewarding.

Pruning is particularly beneficial for residential and commercial property

owners as it maximizes overall plant health and minimizes the risk of pest damage.

It also promotes safety by eliminating weak or rotting branches that could pose

hazards to people, pets, or structures. Strategic pruning encourages good growth

patterns and enhances air circulation around the plants.

Pruning is essential for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of landscape trees and

shrubs, as they undergo natural pruning processes in nature. When necessary,

pruning should be carried out with skill and understanding, as haphazard pruning

can weaken or deform healthy plants. The misconception that anyone with a saw

can be a landscape pruner is debunked, emphasizing the importance of knowledge

in achieving successful pruning. Pruning serves various purposes, including training

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry
the plant, maintaining its health, improving the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage, or

stems, and restricting excessive growth.

Objectives

At the end of this activity, students will be able to:

 Identify the basic tools used for pruning: shears, loppers, bolo, pole-saw, etc.

 Differentiate between dead, diseased, and healthy branches.

 Demonstrate proper pruning techniques: clean cuts, avoiding stubs, etc.

 Describe the benefits of pruning: increased health, improved aesthetics,

controlled growth.

 Practice pruning on small plants or branches under MMSU BCLC-LP.

Materials

The materials used in conducting the activity. (Figure 1).

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry
Figure 1. Materials

Locale of the Study

The laboratory exercise was conducted in the vicinity of the University

particularly at the MMSU Biodiversity Conservation Learning Center-Leisure Park.

(Figure 2).

Figure 2. Map showing the location of MMSU BCLC-LP.

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry

Steps in Pruning Methods

Step 1: Inspect the Tree

Assess the tree's overall health and identify specific branches that need

attention. Look for dead, diseased, or crossing branches, as well as those that may

pose safety hazards.

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry

Step 2: Gather Pruning Tools

Ensure you have the right tools for the job, such as pruning shears (for small

branches), loppers (for larger branches), a pruning saw (for thick branches), and

safety gear including gloves and eye protection.

Step 3: Remove Dead or Diseased Branches

Start by cutting back dead or diseased branches to the nearest healthy

junction or the trunk (1st cut and 2nd cut). Remove branches that cross or rub against

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry
each other. This helps prevent damage, improve airflow, and reduce the risk of

disease. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar without leaving stubs.

2nd Cut

1st Cut

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

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 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry

Step 4: Thinning for Air Circulation

Thin the canopy to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. If

branches are growing too closely together, selectively remove some to maintain a

well-spaced and balanced canopy. Remove selected interior branches, especially if

they are crowded or competing for space. If branches are growing too closely

together, selectively remove some to maintain a well-spaced and balanced canopy.

Step 5: Clean Up Debris

Remove all cut branches and debris from around the tree. Proper disposal

helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry

Step 6: Maintain Natural Shape

Preserve the tree's natural shape and structure as much as possible. Avoid

excessive pruning, which can stress the tree.

BEFORE

AFTER

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper tree pruning is a meticulous and purposeful endeavor

that goes beyond mere aesthetics, playing a vital role in the overall health and

longevity of trees within a landscape. The six-step process outlined ensures a

thoughtful and systematic approach, from initial inspection to the final cleanup. By

addressing issues such as dead or diseased branches, crossing or rubbing limbs, and

promoting air circulation through thinning, pruners contribute to a tree's resilience

and safety. Maintaining the tree's natural shape while periodically evaluating

progress is paramount, as it prevents undue stress on the tree. Additionally, the

conscientious removal of debris serves to safeguard against potential diseases and

pests. Ultimately, successful tree pruning demands a balance between achieving

specific objectives and preserving the inherent beauty and vitality of these essential

components of our natural environment.

References

 Davey Tree Experts Blog: https://blog.davey.com/should-mature-trees-be-

pruned/
 https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-
techniques/
 https://keiltreeexperts.com/the-art-of-tree-pruning-a-guide-to-promoting-
health-and-beauty/
 https://www.groundsguys.com/blog/2017/september/the-importance-of-
pruning-protect-your-plants-an/

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph
 MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development
Department of Forestry
 International Society of Arboriculture: https://www.isa-arbor.com/
 NC State Extension Publications: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-
pruning-techniques

16, Quiling Sur, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte

 cafsd@mmsu.edu.ph  (077) 600-2394
www.mmsu.edu.ph