3 of 4
Pruning a Broken Tree Top

USFS Illustation, Publication AIB-387
When a tree top is broken, prune out the broken portion of the top but leave a vigorous branch near the broken top to use as a new leader. When pruned properly, the tree will heal its wound faster and the likelihood of decay developing decreases. If decay does develop, it is usually limited to where the old leader was pruned.