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Approach tree pruning with the future in mind

LSU AgCenter

Virtually all trees in our landscapes will need to be pruned during their lives, particularly in the first two decades after planting.

Sometimes a tree may be pruned in some way to help it, such as in dealing with storm damage, reducing limb weight, removing dead limbs, and stopping the spread of diseases. More often trees are pruned to adapt them to our urban environments, including keeping limbs from coming into contact with power lines, rubbing against the home, hanging too low, or obstructing views.

Home gardeners can carry out minor pruning, especially to train younger trees before they get large. Ask yourself why you think the tree needs to be pruned.

Dan is an Associate Professor in Consumer Horticulture with the LSU AgCenter. He is the spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter’s "Get It Growing project," an effort encouraging home horticulture throughout Louisiana. Dan is also author of "Month-by-Month Gardening in Louisiana" and co-author of the "Louisiana Gardener’s Guide."