Pruning Younger Trees the Right Way
When you’re pruning younger trees, make sure that every single cut you make has a purpose behind it. Never just cut for the sake of cutting. Remember, bad pruning practices can permanently damage the tree for a lifetime, so never go to crazy with the cutting. Each cut you make is going to create a wound. At such a young age, the tree needs all of the nutrients it can get, for each cut, it’s going to need even more to help heal. If you cut too much, it won’t be able to heal and you’ll end up with a dead tree.
Make pruning cuts on younger trees just outside the branch collar to avoid hurting the trunk or compromising wound responses. You can use pruning shears or hand-pruners for smaller branches to make cuts.
Hedge shears shouldn’t be used for pruning younger trees, they should be used for trimming hedges. Make sure to keep your tools clean and sharp at all times. Since your pruning of this young tree will influence how it grows or looks in the future, make sure you get the framework right when making cuts. It’s important that you set a strong foundation by establishing a sturdy trunk with strong, well spaced branches.