If you find yourself needing to remove a tree branch, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.

The wrong way can unnecessarily harm your tree — and even you. The right way gets rid of the problematic branch while keeping both you and the tree safe.

So, where to begin? First, make sure the branch you want to remove really needs to go right now.

Cutting off branches is stressful for trees, and that stress is only magnified in the hot summertime. That’s why most trees — except fruiting and flowering species — should be pruned during late winter or very early spring.

If your goal is improved aesthetics or better airflow, hold off on pruning for now. But it’s OK to remove the four Ds — dead, dying, diseased or damaged branches — any time of year, said Damon Abdi, LSU AgCenter assistant pro

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