How to Prune Clump Birches
- 1). Look over the tree in need of pruning. Identify any broken, dead, diseased, damaged or insect-infested branches. Cut these branches back to the nearest main branch or trunk that is in healthy condition at a downward 45-degree angle close to the branch or trunk using branch cutters.
- 2). Prune suckers or other small shoots at the base of the tree close to the ground using branch cutters. The clumping nature of these trees will produce growth at the bottom that should be cut back to prevent overgrowth at the base of the tree.
- 3). Trim any low-hanging branches, long branches or branches that cross over other branches on the tree using branch cutters. Cut the branches back to the nearest branch or trunk that will produce a desirable appearance and safe passage underneath the tree. Make the cut at a 45-degree downward angle to encourage water to drip downward from the cut surface.