How to Prune Pines

A young Pine Tree silhouetted in the sun.

A needle conifer, Pine species require and tolerate very little pruning maintenance. When pruning is required to remove damaged tissues or correct an injury or aberrant growth, follow hard and fast rules so that the natural form of the tree or shrub stays protected from permanent damage. As with most needle evergreens, prune with a light hand and only do so when it is truly warranted.

Things You'll Need

• Loppers
• Fine toothed pruning saw

Instructions

1. Prune your Pine species in the late winter or early spring before new growth is visible.

2. Excise any clearly dead branches back to a healthy lateral branch or all the way down to the trunk if necessary.

3. Increase fullness and a smaller growth form in pines by pinching back 1/3 of the tender, young candle growth at the terminal tip of the branch or shoot in the late spring or early summer. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the tip but do not cut will tools, as this can cause discoloration and will mar the appearance of the pine.

Tips & Warnings

• Use loppers to sever branches of 1/2-inch diameter or less and use a fine-toothed pruning saw for anything larger. This helps you make clean cuts that are less susceptible to disease and insect infiltration.

References

• Colorado State University Extension; Pruning Evergreens; David Whiting, Carol O'Meara; June 2011