Why Prune A Tree?
There are only a few valid reasons to prune a tree in the urban landscape: • Promote tree s health • Reduce hazards to people • Train a young tree • Increase or decrease flowers/fruit Identify the purpose for pruning your deciduous shade tree. Resist pruning because the tree is growing rapidly, or because the neighbors are working on their trees. Understand that pruning always causes a wound and always results in some response in the tree: • Loss of foliage and ability to create food from sunlight • Potential entry points for decay organisms • An increase in sprouting • Reduced vigor • Susceptibility to insect problems Decide whether the desired benefit will override the negative effect on the tree. When to Prune A Deciduous Tree In general, pruning has a greater benefit if it is performed while the tree is young. Wounds are smaller and recovery is more rapid. This document will discuss pruning young trees and older trees separately. Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves and
