It's pruning time! Here are some things to keep in mind before taking
saw in hand.

Tree age
Pruning is important when trees are young. Trees can be trained
through pruning to direct growth, correct growth, and help develop a
strong canopy. Training should take place while the tree is young into
maturity.

How much to prune?
Remove no more than 25-30 percent of the tree at one time. More
than this can weaken a tree’s ability to fight off pests, disease and
other problems.
Young trees tolerate heavy pruning better than older trees.

Temporary branches
The lower limbs on a young tree are temporary but important, so
don’t remove them too quickly. They shade and protect the trunk from
sunscald, produce food for the tree, and help strengthen the tree trunk.
Gradually remove these temporary branches. Temporary branches can be
kept short, about 10-12 inches long, so they don’t compete with the
upward growth of a tree or development of permanent scaffold branches.

Tree top versus trunk ratio
 When removing lower branches, whether a tree is young or mature,
always keep the top two thirds of the tree in leafy canopy and the
bottom third as stem or trunk tissue. This is a healthy balance of top
to bottom. The leafy canopy produces nutrients through photosynthesis
for tree growth, maintenance, fruit (seed) development and storage. It
is also an attractive ratio. All too often people leave the tree with
one third top and two thirds trunk.

What to prune
Prune out dead, diseased, damage, crowded, weak, arrant and rubbing
branches.

Pruning cuts
Flush cuts are out. Make pruning cuts just outside the branch bark
ridge which will leave a slight stub. Properly made cuts will be smaller
in diameter, rounder in shape and will isolate the pruning wound
quicker. Flush cuts make a big injury that is vulnerable to decay, insects
and disease.

When to prune
The best time to prune is just before bud break in late winter, but
anytime the tree is dormant will do. Minor pruning can be done anytime
of the year. Trees grown for their spring bloom may need to be delayed
until the flowers begin to fade.

For more information, don't hesitate to call your local extension
office at 575-461-0562. Ask for Tom.