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Proper pruning will get

a tree off to a good start

and keep it safe and

healthy through its life.

There are several reasons to prune a tree:

• Structure - make sure a young tree develops a

strong, balanced structure

• Sight lines - remove branches that would impede

roads, signs or sidewalks

• Safety - keep branches from growing into buildings

or power lines

• Health - remove dead, cracked or diseased branches

before they fall

Let’s dig a little deeper to learn more about each of

these reasons for tree pruning:

Structure: Pruning a young tree to encourage the

right structure can eliminate many problems later on.

Trees of most species are strongest if they have a

strong central leader—one stem that leads straight up

through the center, with other branches spaced more

or less evenly around it.

Good nurseries prune saplings properly, so when you

buy a young tree, check for that strong central stem.

Bear in mind, though, that each kind of tree has a

characteristic form, which may be very different

between species. This form may not be as apparent in

a young tree as it will be later on. Before you buy a tree,

research the species you’re considering so you know

what shape and size to expect and how it should

be pruned.

Clearance: As the tree grows, it may become neces-

sary to remove some side branches to keep a sidewalk,

sign or driveway clear, or to prevent branches from

coming into contact with buildings or power lines.

It’s best to anticipate problems and prune out these

branches when they’re small enough to remove

easily and safely. Once a tree is large enough that

PRUNING THROUGH THE LIFE OF A TREE

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