Should you prune young trees at all?

Should you prune young trees? Will this help them grow into a balanced shape? Or can this damage them?

Asked by Greg on 17th Dec 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"You can prune young trees, which can help them grow into a balanced shape.
If pruned correctly it will not damage them, don’t leave stubs and always prune to a junction."
Answered on 17th Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 - report
"Most certainly take away the weaker branches so the healthy ones grow stronger"
Answered on 31st Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 - report
"Yes, you can and absolutely should do formative pruning as required to encourage the tree to grow and take shape in the way you would like it to. It depends however on which tree it is as to when you should prune them."
Answered on 17th Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 - report
"Young trees need formative pruning basically just a gentle prune in order for them to grow and naturally balance their crown."
Answered on 17th Dec 2022 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"It depends on the type of tree some can take it eg: topiary,lime conifer, others can't eg: acers"
Answered on 17th Dec 2022 - Member since Aug 2022 - report
"I would suggest not pruning trees at al for the first 2 years. When the time does come to prune, only prune in the winter. Pruning in the winter months provides new and fresh growth. Pruning in the summer stumps growth and can cause infection"
Answered on 29th Jan 2024 - Member since Jan 2024 - report
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