How to Prune Young Shade Trees

“As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” This insightful old bromide about children might just as well serve as the cardinal principle for pruning young shade trees.

Download Bulletin

Spanish Resource

15 years or so after planting: a tall, straight trunk and a full, healthy crown with strong, well-spaced branches … a tree that casts a broad expanse of sheltering shade, that resists damage by wind and ice, that is easy to maintain.

But it looks more like a big, rambling bush than a well-groomed shade tree. Its low-growing branches obscure streets, driveways, and walks, posing traffic hazards. Many branches have been damaged during storms, and weak, unsightly shoots sprout in abundance. Maintenance is badly needed and will now be expensive.

What made the difference? The tree at the right was properly pruned when it was young. The tree at the left was neglected.

This bulletin explains how pruning young shade trees is a simple, straight-forward task. It is a job that needs to be done, whether by you for the trees in your yard or by your community for the trees on public property. In any case, proper pruning will save money in the long run and give you safer, more beautiful, healthy, easy-to-maintain trees.

Here’s what’s inside:

A Tale of Two Trees – a look at the development of a well-pruned tree compared to one that hasn’t been pruned
Pruning for Strength – what to look for when pruning to grow a stronger, healthier tree
Pruning for Form – how to approach pruning to help shape a tree that is aesthetically pleasing and serves well in the space
Keys to Good Pruning – tips to help you successfully prune your trees
When to Prune – an overview of when to prune and why, broken down by season
Pruning Is a Vital Part of Any Urban Forestry Program – guidance for integrating pruning into a community’s tree care plan
For More Pruning Information – suggestions for where to find more pruning tips and guidelines

Download the Full Bulletin

Download Bulletin #1: How to Prune Young Shade Trees to learn how pruning strengthens trees, improves form, and is crucial for urban forestry. Learning proper techniques and timing ensures healthier, long-lasting trees.

Download Bulletin

Spanish Resource

Bulletin

How to Prune Young Shade Trees

In This Bulletin

Download the Full Bulletin

Saving Trees During Construction

How to Prune Young Shade Trees

In This Bulletin

Download the Full Bulletin

Related Resources

Saving Trees During Construction

How to Plant Field Windbreaks

How to Plant Conservation Buffers for Streams

How to Manage Woodlots and Tree Plantations

How to Create a Living Snow Fence