No matter what the reason for pruning, the tree’s health and appearance should always be considered. Recognized tree surgery practices provide for pruning with a minimum of harm to a tree’s health and appearance.

All right-of-way pruning practices by TxDOT employees, contractors, or utility companies with lines on state rights of way will conform to the guidelines of ANSI A300 Part 1-2001, Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Pruning). These guidelines represent the nationally used standards by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. The guidelines set forth in this chapter conform to these new standards.