Pruning · Young trees
Young Tree Structural Pruning
Most structural problems in mature trees, split forks and overlong limbs among them, start as small branches in the first ten years. Pruning a young tree with a hand saw takes minutes and prevents work that would need a crane later.
Call availability varies by area and time of day. Calls are answered by an independent tree service provider.
When should a young tree first be pruned?
At planting, remove only dead or broken branches. Start structural pruning in the second or third year, once roots are established, then repeat every two to three years until the tree is about 25 years old. Each visit is small: a few well-chosen cuts.
- At planting
- Damaged branches only. The tree needs every leaf to grow new roots.
- Years 2 to 10
- Choose one leader and slow down the stems competing with it.
- Years 10 to 25
- Space the permanent scaffold limbs and raise the crown gradually for clearance.
Structural pruning in order
Choose a leader
Most shade trees grow strongest with one dominant trunk running to the top.
Subordinate competitors
Rival stems are shortened so they grow more slowly than the leader, rather than removed outright.
Space scaffold limbs
Permanent limbs should be spread around the trunk and 18 inches or more apart vertically on large species.
Remove crossing branches
Before they rub and create wounds.
Raise gradually
Low temporary branches are removed a few at a time as the tree grows; they feed the trunk while they last.
Which trees need a single leader
| Tree type | Natural form | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Oaks, maples, elms, lindens | Single leader | Correct codominant stems early |
| Crape myrtle, redbud, serviceberry | Multi-stem | Keep three to five well-spaced stems |
| Spruce, fir and most conifers | Strong natural leader | Little pruning; replace a broken leader by training a side shoot upward |
| Apple, pear, peach | Managed for fruit | See fruit tree pruning |
Defects to correct while they are small
Two equal trunks
A codominant fork will be the weakest point of the mature tree.
Narrow branch angles with bark pinched in
Included bark keeps the joint from forming solid wood.
Several branches from one spot
Crowded attachments weaken the trunk at that point.
Branches rubbing
Remove one of each rubbing pair.
A leader damaged at the nursery
Train a new one before a cluster of rivals forms.
Tools for young tree pruning
- Bypass hand pruners
- Branches under about half an inch. Anvil pruners crush stems and should be avoided.
- Loppers
- Up to about an inch and a half, with more leverage.
- Folding pruning saw
- Larger branches, cutting on the pull stroke.
- Pole pruner
- Higher branches without climbing a ladder.
Pruning early or putting it off
Pruned early
- Small cuts that close in a season or two
- Growth is directed where it is wanted
- Done from the ground with hand tools
- Few defects left to fix later
Put off for 20 years
- Large cuts that can decay
- Defects are built into the trunk
- Cabling or reduction may be the only options
- Climbing or a lift is needed
A two-inch cut today avoids a twelve-inch cut and a cable later. Young tree pruning is the best value of any tree care.
City programs for young street trees
Many cities that plant street trees also prune them on a young tree cycle, and several run volunteer pruning programs. Some require a permit before anyone else prunes a street tree. If the city planted the tree in front of your house, call the city forester or public works first.
For trees you planted yourself, structural pruning goes together with good aftercare: steady watering for the first two years, a wide mulch ring and removing any nursery tags or ties. See tree planting.
Young tree pruning questions
Should I stake a newly planted tree?
Only if it cannot stand on its own or the site is very windy. Use loose ties and remove the stakes after one growing season.
Can young trees be pruned in summer?
Light pruning is fine. Larger structural cuts are best in the dormant season when the branch layout is easy to see.
How much can be removed from a young tree in a year?
Usually no more than about a quarter of the live canopy.
Do pruning cuts on young trees need sealing?
No. Clean cuts at the right spot close faster without paint or tar.
When does a young tree need different pruning?
Fruit trees follow their own schedule, covered in fruit tree pruning. Trees near the house may need branch clearance from the roof as they grow.
Talk to a young tree structural pruning provider
Call to be connected with an independent tree service company near you.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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