Does anyone know the proper way to trim a tree?

Question

We have a tree in our front yard that was planted 3 yrs ago, when the house was new. It is about 6 ft tall. It grows new leaves every year, but it hasn't filled out. It is still very sparce. I was wondering it I should trim it, or if I just needed to be patient.

Answer 1

Definitely trim it, but how you do it depends on the tree. The basic rule is cut back between Nov and Jan, cut just above the bud joint.

Topping produces fuller trees while trimming back side branches makes them grow tall and spindly.

Don't be aftraid to take it way down, removing this past year's growth. You'll be pleasantly surpised come spring!

Answer 2

You can trim it up this fall, make sure and get some pruning compound on the open "cuts" to prevent weakness and/or bugs getting in the tree over the winter. Fall is a great time to give some "food spikes" for a great spring growth for the roots. Otherwise, yes, just a bit more patience, some trees take 3-5 years to really see their growth. :)

Answer 3

What kind of tree is it? Are there other trees around that could be shading it? It is really hard to tell without seeing a pic. It could be getting too much water if it is in a lawn.

You could tip prune each branch. That will give you twice as many branches next year.

Good luck. :-)

Answer 4

Call an arborist or nurseryman. Don't call a treetrimmer (tree butcher). Find out what kind of tree you have and read its characteristics, etc. Know what you are doing before you start chopping. You may be trying to trim a Japanese maple or something like that and you will ruin it.

Answer 5

Leave it alone and let it get a natural shape, its only very young - just be patient. Don't ruin its shape by pruning.