Tree Pruning
The Australian Standards for Tree Pruning (AS 4373-2007) provides guidelines for pruning trees in Australia. The standard specifies that pruning should be carried out in a way that minimizes the risk of injury or damage to the tree, and that the natural shape and character of the tree should be preserved.
The standard recommends that trees be pruned using the following methods:
- Deadwooding: Removing dead, dying, or diseased branches
- Crown cleaning: Removing branches that are overcrowded, crossing, or rubbing against other branches
- Crown lifting: Removing the lower branches to clear the ground beneath the tree
- Crown thinning: Removing selected branches throughout the crown to reduce density without altering the overall shape of the tree
- Crown reduction: Reducing the overall size of the tree by cutting back the ends of branches.
The standard also specifies that pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk or another branch. This helps the tree seal off the wound and prevent decay. It is highly recommend to consult with local authority or certified arborist before carrying out any action, as some tree have restriction or required permit for pruning.