Send your trees into winter with a good supply of moisture by watering them thoroughly in fall. Water during extended warm, dry periods of winter to prevent drought damage to roots. This is especially important for trees planted the previous year. A newly planted tree needs only minimal pruning. Prune out only dead, diseased or injured branches.
Research shows that transplanted trees establish quicker when as much foliage as possible remains.
If you do prune, don't use pruning compounds on pruning cuts. Don't stake small trees or those not in the wind's path. Large evergreen trees, planted in a windy site, will need staking. To stake,do not use garden hose and wire. Instead run wire through grommeted staking straps or use wide strips of carpeting.