About this time each year, questions concerning when and how to trim trees increases.

The month of February is a great time to trim limbs from trees or shrubs.

Proper trimming of trees is an important part of the yearly yard maintenance schedule.

Kleberg Master Gardener Sandy Chisholm provided the following tree trimming and shrub pruning information; it is very timely and provides a lot of answers for those many questions that homeowners ask.

Start with the trees in the yard. First, look for dead limbs, diseased limbs, or branches rubbing on the roof.

Then decide how far to trim the branch back. Some can be trimmed to a lateral branch, but others should be trimmed all the way to the trunk of the tree.

Small branches may be cut with lopper shears or a pruning saw. For branches larger than 1 ½ inches diameter prevent bark strip by using the three cut method of trimming.

The first step in the three cut method is to undercut from the bottom of the branch 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk.

Only cut about a third of the way into the branch.

The second cut is then made from the top of the branch 3 inches farther out from the undercut. The branch will fall as you make this cut leaving a short stub.

The third cut is then made downward near the trunk of the tree removing the stub.

The three cut method prevents bark from ripping or stripping away from the tree, minimizing damage and limiting the chances of future insect and disease problems from occurring around the wounded area.

For large branches ask friends to help hold ladders.

In some cases branches or limbs will need to tied with rope to insure that they do not fall on a car, house or pets.

However, it may be wise to contact a professional to handle the larger branches, they have the knowledge and the equipment needed to do the job safely and correctly.

This is especially true if power lines are anywhere near the tree being trimmed or pruned.

Once the trees are properly trimmed, move to the shrubs and ornamentals. Many landscape plants froze this winter, some will grow back and others will need to be replaced.

Although winter freezes have left many landscape plants looking ragged, don’t get into big of a hurry to trim or remove them, many will bounce back when spring arrives.

When the time does come to make a pruning or replacement decision, look for new buds or green leaves on the lower branches.

If there is no new growth lightly bend the top of a stem. If it snaps it is dead and requires trimming down to next main branch.

If it bends or has bud growth, trim ½ inch above the bud or leaf.

Make the cut at a 45 degree angle away from the growth.

Keep in mind that pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs should be a regular part of the yearly landscape maintenance schedule.