Training will eliminate most storm damage. The tree species you select will determine the amount of training or pruning required. For example, most oaks and sycamore form strong branching habits with minimum training effort, while mulberry, crabapple, and fruit trees require considerable effort in the first three to five years after planting. Refer to fact sheet F-6228, Annual Pruning of Fruit Trees. Training young trees should help reduce storm damage and expensive pruning operations when the tree is mature.
Most training is done during the growing season, whereas most pruning is done in the dormant season.
How to Start Before planting, study which tree form you like best. Look at your neighbors trees. In buying your tree, there is little advantage in selecting a branched tree. Very few young trees will have any permanent branches at the time of purchase. Training begins at transplanting, continues through the first three to five years, and should be complete within eight to 10 years.