How to Prune Pennsylvania Pine Trees

Pennsylvania pines will occasionally require pruning.

While the state tree of Pennsylvania may be the Eastern hemlock, the state supports at least six types of pine trees. These trees, including the eastern white pine, pitch pine and Scots pine, sport evergreen pine needles that keep the state flush and green even in the winter. Growing these trees on your property can help to improve the look of the landscape and the feel of your garden, and if they are properly cared for they will require little pruning. However, there are some circumstances in which you must prune these pines.

Things You'll Need

• Saws
• Pocket knife
• Bleach or alcohol

Instructions

1. Prune pine trees in late winter or early spring, when the growing season has ended or before it has begun. Never cut live branches in the middle of the growing season (late spring through summer); pruning during this time will increase the risk for fungal infection.

2. Prune the pine tree when it is first planted in a new area. Clip away any branches that are closely crowded or that look like they are breaking or weakening. If you find branches that overlap each other, clear up the overlap; remove the branch that is thinner or has received damage from the overlap.

3. Remove dead limbs at any time; so long as the branches are dead, it does not matter what time of season you prune these limbs away. Dead limbs will lack green foliage; if in doubt, gently scrape away some of the bark with a pocket knife. If the tree below the bark is dry, the limb is dead.

4. Cut away any branches that have developed fungal infection or any other disease. Remove these branches from the tree immediately. Make your cut at least 4 inches from the obviously diseased section of the tree, to make sure you get all of the disease.

5. Wash your saw in bleach or rubbing alcohol between each cut after pruning a diseased tree to prevent the spread of infection.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, use a saw that cuts on the pulling stroke instead of the pushing stroke; this will allow you better control with your cuts. Find these tools at garden centers, nurseries, hardware retailers and home improvement stores.

• If your pine trees are posing a danger to power lines or other such installations, hire a professional tree trimmer to remove the danger. Professionals can more safely and efficiently remove such hazards.

• You can also prune a pine tree into a desired shape. If possible, do not attempt to top a pine tree; the trees often look flat or damaged.

• Do not prune diseased trees during wet weather; the water can carry the disease to the rest of the branches or to other plants. The tree and the air should be dry when pruning diseased trees.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Common Trees of Pennsylvania
• University of Idaho: How to Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees