Structural Pruning of Young Trees

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Structural pruning is a multi-step process guided by the goal of developing a strong and stable tree that is compatible with the site and client expectations. Without structural pruning, young landscape trees tend to develop defects such as overextended branches, co-dominant stems, and included bark, which all increase the likelihood of branch failures, conflicts with people and structures, and long-term costs. Structural pruning should start early, preferably at planting, and continue every one to two years until the desired form is achieved.