How To How to Prune a Young Tree

Here's How:

1. Start with procuring pruning shears or a pruning saw for larger limbs. These tools are necessary to do the job correctly and with the most ease.
2. Remove structurally weak and dead limbs first. Cut off limbs that appear dead or limbs with leaves that look distressed.
3. Make pruning cuts just outside the branch collar and nearly, but not completely, flush to the trunk. This provides viable growing branch bark that will improve wound closure.
4. Leave most functional limbs on newly planted trees and prune for form the second year or third year.
5. Prune forked codominate trunks to one dominate trunk. Forked trunks lead to multiple problems including poor form, excessive pruning and health problems.
6. Prune all permanent branches up to a desirable first branch height (generally 8 feet at maturity). Remember that urban and yard trees need to have a raised base for access and yard work.
7. After several years of a maturing tree, remove branches trying to space 12 to 18 inches apart. Do not do this the first few years but wait for a period of time where the tree is growing rapidly.
8. Always think of the biology of a growing tree. If a permanent branch is to be shortened, cut it back to a lateral branch or bud where an immediate growth response will be initiated and that limits dead wood that increases the possibility of disease.
9. It has been found that sealing a wound with a dressing does not help in the healing process. Do not seal cuts with wound dressing unless for cosmetic purposes.

Tips:

1. A rule-of-thumb for the vertical spacing of permanent branches is to maintain a distance equal to 3% of the tree's eventual height.
2. Trees that are used to screen an unsightly view or provide a wind break may be allowed to branch low to the ground. Most large growing trees in the landscape must eventually be pruned to allow head clearance.
3. The goal in training young trees is to establish a strong trunk with sturdy, well-spaced branches.

What You Need:

• pruning shears
• pruning saw