How to Trim a Saguaros Cactus

The Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigante) is a desert variety that lives only in southeastern California, southern Arizona and Mexico. Its summer flower, which has a cream color and yellow center, is the state flower of Arizona. Over time, the Saguaro develops many trunks that can crowd out each other and result in disease or injury. Trimming the Saguaro cactus opens it up and extends its life.

Long pants and long sleeves
Thick work gloves
Pruning saw
Carpet remnant
Powdered sulphur
Ladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Don the proper attire before trimming back a Saguaro cactus, including long sleeves long pants and thick work gloves.
- 2
  Examine the outer trunks to identify any that are leaning toward the ground. These trunks eventually will split off and fall because there should be only one central trunk. Trace the leaning trunks back to where they emerge from the ground and cut through them with a pruning saw.
- 3
  Prune off branches in the upper portion of the tree that are touching each other. Cut off weakest or thinnest branches near the base of the central trunk.
- 4
  Wrap an old carpet remnant around the pruned off pieces so you can pick them up. Discard them in a compost pile or in the garbage.
- 5
  Sprinkle powdered sulphur over the surface of all pruned areas to help them callus over and prevent infection and disease.

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