Selecting, Planting & Caring for Trees Limit pruning of newly
planted trees to corrective pruning. Remove torn or broken
branches (save other pruning measures for the second or third
year). Once the tree has established a good root system after
planting (usually within 1 to 3 years), proper pruning is
essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and
desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning
measures while they are young will require little corrective
pruning when they mature. Location of a pruning cut is critical
to a tree's response in growth and wound closure. Pruning cuts
should be made just outside the branch collar. Since the branch
collar contains trunk or parent branch tissues, the tree will be
unnecessarily damaged if you remove or damage it. In fact, if
the cut is large, the tree may suffer permanent internal decay
from an improper pruning cut. For most young trees, maintain a
single dominant leader. Do not prune back the tip of this
leader. Do not allow secondary branches