Fall Pruning - the when and when not to

I’ll start this post with the note that all trees and shrubs are different, so before doing any Fall pruning, please research the type of tree you are cutting to make sure you don’t kill it off. Also, I would like to mention that, as I know what I am doing, I felt confident in removing these myself.

Okay, disclaimer over.

I have a few giant evergreens in my backyard – like 3-4 storeys tall – and in a few short weeks they will all drop about 1/3 of their needles and most of their pinecones into my backyard. There will be sap everywhere and my poor dog will inevitably come in with her fur glued into knots everywhere.

I know, first world problems – “Suck it up sweetheart”

But look!

It is RIDICULOUS how much sap one of my trees excretes! Yes “excretes” because it’s a pussy-sounding word and best describes my feelings on this issue.

I did a bit of research and found that the best time to prune evergreens is in early Spring (post-dormancy), in mid-summer – which they call the semi-dormant period, and anytime there are dead and diseased branches.

I missed August, so my mid-summer / Fall pruning is a tad late, but we are expected to have warmer than normal temperatures until November, so my “nubs” will have plenty of time to harden off before frost and snow hit. That’s the key really – you want the amputated sections to have plenty of time to harden to protect the rest of the tree from freezing and rot.

Severe pruning is not recommended because new growth will start beneath the cut sections. If you prune in late Fall, these buds won’t have time to harden before the frost and cold.

Having written all of that; I have one tree in particular that has a LOT of dead lower branches. I partnered with WORX Tools and tried out their new 10″ pole saw (a 10″ chainsaw with a 10′ extension pole) to clean up some of the dead weight.

You need a pole saw when branches are too thick to fit through a traditional hedge trimmer, or when they are too high to reach. In this case, the lower dead branches were at a height that I could use the 10″ chainsaw by itself.

Like buttah baby!

Chicks and chainsaws – totally meant to be!

Lightweight and dependable.

WORX two-in-one Pole Saw/Chainsaw combination has an eight-foot extension pole that helps you reach higher limbs without climbing a ladder. When you’re finished, simply detach the pole and use the chainsaw to easily chop up fallen branches. This saw is lightweight yet powerful, which means you can zoom through more work with less fatigue. It uses an automatic oil pump and an auto-tensioning chain system designed to prolong the life of the bar and chain.

Basically – this thing is powerful, easy to use and light enough for even my atrophied muscles to handle. Did you read the part about “TWO-IN-ONE”?

What if I told you it was SO affordable?!

Once the dead and rotting branches were removed, it was time to do a little Fall pruning on some of the “sappier” branches above.

Hubby took a shot at the WORX 10″ pole saw – not because I couldn’t do it, but because he’s not the best photographer and I wanted to make sure I got some shots of the extension pole in use.

The 8′ pole has a retractable extension that expands its’ reach – the branches Hubby is cutting down have to be about 16′ in the air… and he didn’t break a sweat!

Those are Christmas lights we hung in the tree about 12 years ago… which are now too high for us to reach and take down. (pretend you don’t notice them – we do).

The WORX 10″ pole saw is electric which means the 8amps of power don’t fluctuate the blade speed as the battery weakens. This little guy was strong, consistent and, if I’m being totally honest, really FUN to use!

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I may have gone a little crazy.

You’ll notice a few maple tree branches in the video – Maples should be pruned in mid-to-late summer (again I’m a tad late) so that the tree doesn’t lose excessive amounts of sap – which it would in Spring.

If you still have temperate weather in your area, and you aren’t expecting a frost for a good month or two – you still have time to pick up a WORX 10″ pole saw and get some Fall pruning done.

The 8.0 Amp WORX 10″ Electric Pole Saw is a 2-in-1 pole saw and chainsaw with unique multifunctional features. Attach the 8-foot extension pole to reach higher limbs without using a ladder – detach the pole to easily chop up the fallen limbs. The pole attaches with no tools making it quick and convenient to transition from a chainsaw to a pole saw. Includes a 3 Year Warranty & 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.

It’s time to get your Fall pruning on – and I can’t recommend this WORX 10″ pole saw highly enough. If you’re still not feeling confident, and think I’m crazy for even attempting it, I would definitely recommend you look around at different companies similar to AKA Tree Removal to see what services they can offer you, and find the one that suits you best!

Chicks and chainsaws I tell ya’!

Have a great one!