Although extensive tree surgery, such as felling, removing large branches and stump chipping, is often best left to a professional arborist, with care, you should be able to remove any easily reached dead or diseased branches less than 30 cm (12 in) in diameter yourself.

If you want to completely remove a tree branch, you will need to cut just outside the branch collar - this is the slight swelling on the branch where it joins the trunk. Cutting nearer the trunk will damage the tree's natural protective zone, and will make it more susceptible to disease.

Cutting Thin Branches

Any branches of less than 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter may be removed using a single cut with a pruning saw or secateurs.There is no need to apply a wound paint or dressing as there seems to be no clear evidence that they prevent disease or speed up the healing process.

Cutting Thick Branches

Branches thicker than 2.5 cm (1 in) should be removed using the following method.

1. It is best to initially remove the bulk of the weight of the branch. Using a pruning saw, partially undercut the branch by one quarter of its diameterat least 30 cm (12 in) from the trunk. This will prevent the bark from ripping back to the trunk if the branch breaks.

2. Make a second cut from above 2.5cm (1 in) further away from the trunk. As you proceed with this cut, the undercut will close up, making sawing easier.

3. Once the bulk of the branch has been removed, you can remove the remaining stub. Undercut as before, just outside the branch collar. If you find it difficult to find the branch collar, cut through the stub at a short distance from the trunk, making the cut so that it slopes outwards away from the tree.

4. Make a final cut from above, angling the saw slightly away from the trunk. Saw through until the top cut meets the undercut.