By CARLOS VALDEZ

For moderate pruning repair jobs of weather damaged trees close to ground level, homeowners should follow these guidelines:

• Smaller branches should be pruned back to the point where they join larger ones. Make the cut at a slant next to a bud that can produce new growth. Do not leave branch stubs as they encourage rot and decay.
• Large branches that are broken should be cut back to either the trunk or main limb. Do not cut the branch flush with the trunk. Instead, cut outside the  branch collar at the base of the branch.
• Take all necessary safety precautions! Broken limbs are often under tension and can kick back unexpectedly during cutting. Be alert for damaged power and utility lines and broken limbs that are hanging. If a tree is large and the necessary work is off the ground, call a qualified tree service.
• A damaged limb may strip healthy bark from the tree. To repair this type of damage, cut any ragged edges of torn bark with a sharp knife. Take care not to remove any more healthy bark and expose more live tissue than necessary. If possible, the wound left by the cut should be shaped like an elongated football with the pointed ends of the cut running vertically along the trunk or limb.
• There is no need to apply tree wound dressings to prevent decay-causing infection. Research has shown that wound dressings (paint, tar and others) do not prevent decay, may interfere with rapid healing and in some cases can serve as food sources for harmful microorganisms.
• Do not top trees during the repair process. Topping accelerates shoot growth and promotes branches that are weakly attached to stubs rather than anchored from within the limb. These branches are more likely to break in future storm events.

 For more information, contact Extension Horticulturist Carlos Valdez at 505.662.2656 or valdez@nmsu.edu.