8 Pruning Mistakes To Avoid Pruning Trees & Shrubs Pruning is one of the best things you can do to support the long-term health and structure of your trees—but when done incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good. From stripped bark and broken limbs to insect infestation and decay, bad tree pruning can shorten a tree’s lifespan, affect its appearance, and pose safety risks across your landscape. While light trimming is often part of routine garden care, more advanced jobs should always be guided by expert tree service and proper technique. This guide outlines eight common pruning mistakes and offers practical advice on how to prune trees properly, so your trees can thrive for years to come. Why Proper Pruning Matters Pruning isn’t just about shaping trees to look nice. When done correctly, it encourages healthy growth, strengthens structure, and helps trees resist disease and decay. Bad pruning cuts, on the other hand, can: Leave trees vulnerable to insects and infection Disrupt natural growth patterns Cause long-term stress and poor form Lead to decay or dieback at the site of the pruning cut Different species also have different pruning needs. What works for flowering shrubs in spring might not be appropriate for mature hardwoods. The key is knowing what to remove, how to cut, and—just as importantly—when to do it. If you’re not sure how to trim a tree without killing it, it’s worth seeking expert guidance to avoid common mistakes. 8 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid Even well-intentioned pruning can lead to lasting damage if done incorrectly. Below are eight of the most common pruning mistakes—and how to avoid them to keep your trees healthy, safe, and structurally sound. Mistake 1 – Topping the Tree Topping is the practice of cutting off the top portion of a tree to reduce its height. It’s one of the most damaging forms of bad tree pruning. Topping encourages rapid, weak regrowth that can lead to poor structure and increased vulnerability to insects, disease, and storm damage. Instead of reducing risk, topping often creates more hazardous conditions in the long run. It also can permanently alter the tree's natural form, making it harder to maintain. The professionals at SavATree know how to perform expert tree reduction techniques that preserve the health and structure of the tree without resorting to harmful topping. Mistake 2 – Making Flush Cuts Flush cuts remove the branch right up against the trunk, cutting into the branch collar—the swollen area at the base of the branch where healing begins. This interrupts the tree’s natural defense mechanisms and slows down the wound's closure. To avoid this mistake, SavATree’s experts will always make cuts just outside the branch collar. This small step makes a major difference in healing and helps prevent decay from setting in. Mistake 3 – Over-Pruning It may seem like removing more branches will promote more growth, but removing too much foliage at once can cause serious stress. Over-pruning weakens the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and recover. A general guideline: never remove more than 25% of the canopy in a single pruning session - however the amount of live material to leave depends on a variety of factors. Excessive cuts may also expose large branches and trunks to sunscald and insects. For these reasons if you’re unsure how much and what to prune, we recommend calling the experts. Mistake 4 – Pruning at the Wrong Time Timing matters. Pruning during active growth seasons—especially spring or summer—can attract insects and increase the chance of tree disease. It can also cause wounds to take longer to heal. While some exceptions exist (such as spring-flowering trees or oaks in need of summer pruning to avoid oak wilt), the ideal time to prune varies by tree species and regional conditions. Another factor to consider is that timing can vary by species and local disease pressure. Properly timed pruning reduces stress and allows for vigorous growth come spring. Your local arborist can assess your landscape and recommend the ideal pruning window based on the specific tree species and regional conditions. Mistake 5 – Using Dull or Dirty Tools Unclean or dull tools can crush branches and transfer disease from one tree to another. This not only creates jagged wounds but also puts the tree at greater risk for infection. Disinfect tools between trees, especially if you suspect disease. Clean cuts heal faster and result in healthier growth. Mistake 6 - Improper or Random Cuts Making random cuts with no plan can ruin a tree’s form and compromise its stability. Each pruning cut should serve a purpose—whether it’s to shape, thin, remove deadwood, or manage crossing limbs. Pruning without prescription can lead to long-term structural problems. These are some of the most visible bad pruning examples and can take years to correct. A thoughtful approach to trimming not only protects the tree’s health but also preserves its natural beauty. Mistake 7 – Ignoring Tree Structure and Growth Habits Ignoring how a tree naturally grows can result in cuts that encourage branch unions poor canopy distribution, or imbalanced or overextended limbs. This is especially problematic for trees with dominant central leaders, where one strong vertical trunk supports the entire structure. Understanding a tree’s natural form—and pruning to support it—will lead to healthier, longer-lasting results. It also reduces the need for corrective pruning later on. Mistake 8 – Not Calling a Professional When You Should Some jobs are just too risky to handle alone. Pruning near power lines, using ladders to reach high branches, removing large limbs, or addressing high canopy cuts can lead to serious injury or permanent tree damage. In these situations, it’s not worth the risk. Hiring a SavATree ISA Certified Arborist ensures you’re getting expert help. These professionals have the training and equipment to prune trees safely and effectively. Tree pruning should support your tree’s future, not jeopardize it. Call The SavATree Experts In most situations, it's smarter to hand off the job to a trained professional. A SavATree ISA Certified Arborist can assess overall tree health, spot structural issues, and recommend a care plan tailored to your landscape. That may include additional support like tree disease treatment or corrective work after bad pruning cuts. Will a tree die if you cut branches? Not if it’s done right. But poor technique can weaken a tree’s structure and leave it vulnerable. Whether you're shaping young growth, maintaining mature trees, or fixing past mistakes, expert guidance can make all the difference. If you’ve ever seen bad tree pruning before and after photos, you understand how important it is to prune with purpose, not guesswork. Proper pruning protects not just your trees, but the health, safety, and beauty of your entire landscape. Sources: Purdue University Extension. Tree Pruning Essentials. https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-506-w.pdf USDA Forest Service. How to Prune Trees. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/na/NA-FR-01-95-Rev-2012.pdf Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.