Shaping up the trees in your yard doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you do a little research on the type of tree you’re working with.

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Here are some tips and tricks on safely caring for and trimming your trees:

Pruning―

Except for maples and birches, now is a good time to prune trees. If limbs are more than an inch in diameter, use the three-step method for removing branches. 

1. Make the first cut on the underside of the limb around 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk. Cut about half the thickness of the branch.
2. Go to the top of the limb, and cut off the limb halfway between the underside cut and the trunk.
3. The resulting stub should then be cut within 1-2 inch of the trunk.
   

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Cut branches―

When forsythia, quince, star magnolia, and saucer magnolia buds show a touch of color, they are easy to force into bloom indoors. Cut branches, taking care not to destroy the natural shape of the plant. They should be in full bloom several days after you place them in a vase of water indoors.

Forsythia

Saucer Magnolia

Always be careful using your pruning tool of choice and have a buddy/family member hold the ladder if you need to use one – safety first. And happy pruning!

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