Pruning Newly Planted Trees
Corrective pruning of a tree at the time of planting sometimes works for the tree's benefit. Dead, damaged, or misshapen branches can create problems later, and therefore should be removed at planting time.
• Do not remove the leader or central stem.
• Pruning cuts should be made to direct growth from buds or branches outward. Do not remove tips of branches unless they are growing to the tree's interior, creating a crowded condition.
• Remove the less dominant branch if two branches are growing at a tight angle.
Prune newly planted trees to remove problem branches and to "shape up" the tree to a form typical of the species.
A printed resource is An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, 2nd Edition by Ed Gilman, 2002, Delmar, Thompson Learning, Inc., Albany, NY.
