How to Lace and Trim a Tree

Tree lacing is a form of trimming that removes up to 30 percent of the branches, which allows more light and air to enter the central portion of the tree. Thinning a tree in this manner also provides more light to the ground underneath and near the tree. When you lace a tree, it can resemble a lace tablecloth or bridal veil because the trimming allows you to see through it. Tree lacing is a valuable practice that can also help to prevent damage to nearby buildings, vehicles or other plants.

Tree saw
Loppers
Ladder (optional)
Pole pruner

Instructions

- 1
  Lace and trim your tree once every year, in fall or winter, to open up the amount of air and light it receives. Begin by standing 20 to 50 feet from the tree. Evaluate which branches you will cut, keeping in mind that you can safely cut up to 30 percent of the branches without harming the tree.
- 2
  Cut low, weak, dead and downward pointing branches first. Also, if any signs of insect pests or disease are present, remove affected branches. Use loppers for small branches and a tree saw for larger ones. When you cut a branch, cut it back to the main trunk, taking care not to nick the trunk or cut into the branch collar, which is a raised area where the branch grows from the trunk.
- 3
  Climb your ladder to access higher branches, or use a pole pruner, which has a saw at the end of an extendible pole.
- 4
  Stand back from the tree again and evaluate its shape; your goal is to create an even, symmetrical shape. If necessary, trim additional branches to achieve this shape.

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