How to Trim the Top Branches of a Tree

Determine which branches need to be cut off. A diseased branch, for example, or one growing too close to your house may need to be cut off before it becomes problematic. "Topping" your tree, however, or cutting off the topmost branches to shorten it for aesthetic purposes, is bad for your tree's health and should be avoided.

Put on a pair of pruning gloves to protect your hands from both the tree and your tools.

Prepare a pruning strategy. Some branches near the top, for example, may not be accessible by climbing. In that case, use a rope saw or a pole pruner -- these long-range trimming tools allow you to prune high branches while standing safely on the ground. Determine which branches you can safely reach by climbing -- getting up close gives you more control and precision.

Climb your tree with your pruning tool. Choose a tool that is safe for climbing, like a folding pruner. Tools like chainsaws are unsafe for amateur climbing.

Look to make sure that nobody is standing under the tree where a falling branch may injure him.

Cut your tree's branches just above the collar. The collar is the swollen piece of tree trunk from which the branch emerges. Leaving too big of a stump or cutting through the collar will each leave the tree vulnerable to disease.