How to Trim Tall Branches from the Ground Safely

Tall shrubs, guava and mango branches, and overgrown hedges are hard to reach from the ground, and a wobbly ladder is one of the most common causes of garden injuries. A high-reach pruner lets you trim most of these branches while your feet stay on firm ground.

Pick the right tool for the branch

• Thin, soft growth (new shoots, small stems): a pair of pruning shears does the job.
• Medium branches: a pruning saw or a branch cutter with a longer reach gives a cleaner cut.
• Thick, dead, or hard wood: use a saw rather than forcing a cutter. Forcing it can crack the handle or tear the bark.

A high-reach pruner and branch cutter combo covers most of these jobs from the ground, which is why it suits most home gardens.

Work from the ground, and stay balanced

Stand on firm, level soil with your feet apart. Keep both hands on the pole and reach only as far as you can comfortably control. If a branch is too high or too thick to reach safely from the ground, leave it for a professional rather than climbing.

Make clean cuts

Cut just above a leaf node or a healthy side shoot, angled so water runs off. Avoid tearing the branch by cutting from the underside first, then finishing from the top. Clean cuts heal faster and leave less room for pests and disease.

Watch for power lines

Keep the pole well away from overhead wires, and never work near them with a metal-shafted tool. If a branch touches or hangs near a line, call the electricity board or a trained tree worker instead of cutting it yourself.

Do the work at the right time

Prune when the plant is not under heat stress, typically in the cooler months, and avoid cutting most of the canopy at once. Taking a few branches at a time keeps the plant healthy and gives it time to recover between sessions.

Care for the tool afterwards

Wipe the blades dry, check the pivot and locking parts, and oil the blades lightly before storing. A dry, sharpened tool works better and lasts longer. For sharpening tips, see how to sharpen and care for your garden tools.