How to Prune Bur Oak Trees
Bur oaks are one of the slowest growing species of oaks. They are very drought-resistant and thrive in a wide variety of soil types. As a wonderful shade tree, bur oaks can grow over a 100 feet tall. Pruning oak trees is essential for maintaining their health by cutting off unhealthy branches and controlling their size. Because of their large stature and thick branches, you need specific pruning tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Purchase hand pruners for small branches, a hand saw for medium sizes branches and rent or buy a chain saw for larger sections of the tree. The size of your oak greatly determines what kind of equipment you need. Avoid using a chainsaw on an oak during their initial growing years. You can get the equipment you need from a gardening supply store.
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Choose a time to prune in the fall. Pruning an oak during the spring or summer months can attract oak ambrosia beetles and bark beetles. These common pests can spread fungi diseases.
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Remove any limbs or branches that pose a hazard. For example, branches that have been damaged by high winds or grow too close to an electric line are a risk. When cutting a branch, angle down away from the tree's stem. Support the branch you are cutting with one hand when using a hand saw. Cut the limb without causing harm to the branch axial, which is the neck-like portion of the tree. This method will allow quick healing to the rest of the tree.
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Prune small branches with a sharp hand pruner. Make sure that the hand pruner is sharp enough for cutting through the branch by testing it on a fallen branch. Dull hand pruners will result in jagged edges that are aesthetically displeasing.
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Chop the living tops of trees that have grown to high for a crown reduction cut. Make a notch cut just above a tree branch. Be sure not to go all the way through. Your second cut should be with a chainsaw through the tree just above the notch. Prune the branch.
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Tips & Warnings
Refrain from cutting more that one-third of the tree's crown or all of the large branches on the top of a tree. This can cause too much trauma to a bur oak. .
Avoid making cuts outside of the branch collar, which is the area that bulges from the tree's trunk to the branch. Cuts made in this area raise the risk of the bur oak getting a fungus.
