Prune firs in late winter, when they're dormant.
Reasons to prune fir trees include safety, health and appearance of the tree. For example, if a fir tree branch hangs over a picnic table, you want to remove it in order to prevent accidents. If a fir tree has diseased wood, trim it away to preserve the health of the tree. If branches of the fir tree stick out, you may want to cut these off to make sure the tree looks nice. When pruning, you also need to know how, when and where to prune the tree.
Instructions
1. Wait for the correct time to prune your fir tree. Aim for late winter to prune your fir tree, when it will still be dormant. Another option is to prune the tree during early June and July, as fir trees bleed less sap during these times of the year.
2. Prune the tree in the correct manner. Cut the smaller branches with shears and the thicker branches with a pruning saw. Don't cut the tree too close to the main branch or trunk. Look for the point where a branch attaches itself to another branch or twig and make your cut at this spot.
3. Prevent bark damage by using the three-cut method on the larger branches. The Iowa State University extension suggests making the initial cut less than 2 feet away from the trunk or main branch. Perform the second cut a few inches away from the first. Perform the third and final cut just beyond the branch collar.
4. Pruning shears can remove the smaller branches.
Remove any dead branches at the bottom of the tree. Do this in the same way you prune the tree.
5. Hire a professional if pruning seems too dangerous to do yourself. An example of this is when the top of the fir tree reaches overhead utility lines. Remove the branches that you can safely reach yourself, and leave the top branches for the professional to prune.
