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Coniferous Trees 1. Timing is Key: Prune conifers late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall. 2. Tip Pruning: Trim the tips of branches to control shape and size, but don’t cut into the main stem or older wood. Conifers don’t regenerate from old wood. 3. Dead Branch Removal: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches anytime to promote health. 4. Leader Control: For single-leader trees (e.g., spruce or fir), maintain a dominant central leader for better structure.
Deciduous Trees 1. Prune in Dormancy: Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant to reduce stress and encourage robust spring growth. 2. Focus on Structure: Remove crossing, weak, or inward-growing branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. 3. Avoid Over-Pruning: Never remove more than 25% of the canopy in one season. It can shock the tree. 4. Cut at the Right Spot: Always prune just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk) for proper healing.