Pruning Young Trees P roper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require little corrective pruning when they mature. There are a few simple principles that everybody should understand before they set out to prune a tree. Each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree. Always have a purpose in mind before a cut is made.
Proper technique is essential.
Poor pruning can cause damage that lasts for the life of the tree. Learn where and how to make the cuts before picking up the pruning shears. In effect, the wound is contained within the tree forever. A rule, small cuts do less damage to the tree than large cuts. Waiting to prune a tree when it is mature can create the need for large cuts that the tree cannot easily close.