Tree Pruning Best Practices for North West Climate

North West Province's hot summers and seasonal storms mean trees need specific care to stay healthy and safe. Proper pruning not only improves the appearance of your trees but also prevents dangerous branch failures during storms.

When to Prune

The best time to prune most trees in North West is during late winter (June-July) when trees are dormant. However, dead or dangerous branches can be removed at any time. Avoid heavy pruning during the peak of summer heat.

The 3-Cut Method for Large Branches

For branches thicker than a wrist, always use the three-cut method to prevent bark tearing: make an undercut 30cm from the trunk, a further cut to remove the branch, then a final cut just outside the branch collar.

Common Pruning Mistakes

• Topping – Cutting the main leader destroys the tree's natural structure and leads to weak regrowth.
• Flush cutting – Cutting too close to the trunk prevents proper healing.
• Over-pruning – Removing more than 25% of the canopy in one season stresses the tree.