Things You'll Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Pruning shears
- Pole saw
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Step 1
Inspect the tree to make sure it is not growing around any power lines. Do not prune the tree if it is touching any power lines.
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Step 2
Use only very sharp pruning shears and pole saw. Dull cutting tools can tear at the Leyland's bark and leave it susceptible to insect damage and canker. Clean the pruning shears and pole saw by wiping with the rubbing alcohol.
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Step 3
Cut off all dead and damaged branches. Cut off any branches that have either visible canker or are suspected of having canker. Clean the pruning shears and pole saw with the rubbing alcohol after each branch is cut. This will prevent the spread of any canker.
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Step 4
Cut small branches with the pruning shears. The cuts should be made one inch outside of the branch collar, at about a 45-degree angle, following the line of the branch collar. The branch collar is the thickened part at the base of the branch. This will help the cut branch heal properly.
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Step 5
Cut larger branches with the pole saw. Support the branch with your free hand while performing the cuts to prevent the branch from falling and ripping the bark. Start by making the first cut from the underside of the branch, six inches away from the branch collar. Cut halfway into the branch. Make a second cut on the top of the branch, seven inches away from the branch collar. Cut all the way through the branch. With the branch removed, make a final cut, one inch from the branch collar, to remove the branch stub.
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Step 6
Prune healthy branches as needed to achieve the shape desired. Pruning out healthy branches in dense areas of growth will help air and light reach all areas of the Leyland Cypress for optimal growth.
