How to Prune Trees

 

Trees may be pruned and trained to control their shape and size, maintain their vigour and in some cases, to improve ornamental qualities such as foliage size or stem colour. Young trees in particular benefit from regular training and pruning to ensure that they develop a well balanced framework of branches. However, in general, once mature, the majority of trees only need pruning if any of their branches are dead, dying, diseased, inconveniently placed or sprouting too low down the trunk.

In this section, you'll find information and advice on pruning deciduous, evergreen and fruit trees, along with guide to pollarding and coppicing trees to restrict their size or to increase their ornamental qualities. There's also a handy step-by-step guide to cutting down tree branches.

Pruning Young Trees
A look at the formative pruning techniques to create different tree styles, such as feathered, central-leader standard and branched-head standard.
Pruning Deciduous Trees
Everything you need to know about trimming and pruning trees to keep them healthy, uncongested and the right height and size for your garden.
Pruning Evergreen Trees
Find out how to prune needled and broad-leafed evergreens.
Pruning Fruit Trees
An in-depth look at the formative and annual pruning techniques for fruit trees.
Coppicing & Pollarding
A look at the two methods used to restrict tree size and increase ornamental qualities.
How to Cut Down a Branch
Your step by step guide to removing branches.