Reasons for Pruning

Promotes plant health

• Avoid topping trees. Removing large branches leaves stubs that can cause several health problems. It also destroys the plant's natural shape and promotes suckering and development of weak branch structures.
• Remove dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage.
• Remove branches that rub together.
• Remove branch stubs

To improve plan appearance

• Remove unwanted branches, water sprouts, suckers 
• control plant size

To protect people and property

• Remove dead branches
• Have hazardous trees taken down
• Prune out weak or narrow-angled tree branches that overhang homes, parking areas, and sidewalks – anyplace falling limbs could injure people or damage property
• Eliminate branches that interfere with street lights, traffic signals, and overhead wires. DO NOT attempt to prune near electrical and utility wires. 
• Prune branches that obscure vision at intersections
• For security purposes, prune shrubs or tree branches that obscure the entry to your home