I have 2 50-60 ft tall sequoias next to my house. Some of the lower branches are encroaching onto my deck as well as hanging down where one can not walk underneath them. In addition there are some dead branches as well as some branches crossing one another and rubbing. I would like to trim some branches in order to walk under them to mow my lawn and also to improve asthetics. How and when should I proceed to cut the lower branches and also should I paint the cuts to protect the trees?
Cut when it is a good time for you, the main thing is undercutting etc. to avoid having the falling branches tear down the trunk. If you don't know what I am talking about here find out how to remove tree branches without causing extra damage before undertaking the operation. The trees won't care otherwise. And they won't need pruning paint.
Pruning a branch . . . angle a should equal angle b. Though with horizontal conifer branches, cut 3 is usually vertical; the slight outward slope is more important on broadleaf tree branches.
No need to paint. The pruning diagram Michael posted is pretty much the way to do a cut. When those tree get some years on them, some of the bigger limbs seem to come out of recessed or pocket-like areas, rather than a slightly protruded branch collar. In that case, cut off the branch as close as possible without damaging bark. If you are not adept with a chainsaw, that may be the way to go if the limbs are attached in that way, and just get as close as you can without cutting into the bark. Thought I had a Hollywood juniper photo showing what I mean, but the closest image I've got is from a huge redwood. It shows a huge limb emerging from a socket like area.
Sometimes I forget to look. The two of you post in unison so often, it's like you are co-joined twins. On the way back home today from work, I passed a Giant Sequoia about 2 blocks away that was recently pruned. Not sure who did it - but doubt it was the homeowner. Anyhow, I got a few photos of it in regards to what I posted yesterday. Looks like the pruner skinned the bark in just a few places, but did okay for most cuts.
