Last cut should be the neatest

When cutting off larger branches it is easiest to tackle the job in stages.

The temptation is to just dive straight in and remove it all at once – but you’ll risk damaging not only the tree as it comes away but yourself as well.

Using a sharp saw, remove most of the branch first – cutting it back to 20cm from where it joins the trunk.

Then you can easily cut off the remaining stub without harm.

For the biggest branches, cut away in smaller sections – working from the tip until you get closer to the trunk.

The best technique is to start with an undercut, making a small cut from the underneath of the branch first.

Then cut in from the top all the way through to meet the undercut. This prevents the bark from tearing as you saw through the branch.

Once you have removed the first part of the branch, remove the stub using the same technique with the undercut.

Cut back only as far as the collar, rather than flush with the trunk.

Angle the cut sloping downwards and away from the trunk – this will avoid rainwater collecting on the open wound and causing it to rot.