- 1). Trim the tree branches during late winter. Winter is the dormant period, and it will do the least damage to the tree to prune when the tree is not actively growing.
- 2). Decide on the shape of the tree. Before you begin pruning, have a general shape in mind, whether you want a conical, a rounded or a pyramidal shape for the tree. Planning the shape of the tree prevents you from taking off too much and creating a lopsided look.
- 3). Shorten branches by cutting away a main branch but leaving the secondary branch. This creates a more open look in the center of the tree, and it also facilitates air flow through the tree itself.
- 4). Trim branches to 1 inch beyond a bud. The buds are where the tree puts out new growth, and trimming in this area allows the tree to easily put out vigorous new growth.
- 5). Cut back large branches by locating the collar of the branch, which is the wrinkled ring where the branch joins to a larger branch or the trunk, and cutting just beyond that, rather than flush against the parent branch or trunk. This helps the tree heal from the removal of large branches.
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