How to Prune Spruce Trees

Allow the lower branches of Christmas tree shaped spruce trees drape to the ground.

Spruce trees require little pruning, except to remove diseased areas and unhealthy growth, and to maintain the shape or size of the tree. Gardeners should sharpen their pruning tools prior to pruning. Dull pruning tools can cause wounds in the bark of spruce trees, which create hospitable environments for fungal diseases. Having an idea of what needs to pruned off is critical. Pruning past the needles can cause them to discolor and die back.

Things You'll Need

• Bypass shears
• Lopping shears
• Pruning saw
• Denatured alcohol

Instructions

1. Examine the spruce tree for signs of fungal diseases. Spruce trees can contract diseases such as rhizosphaera needlecast, which causes needles to discolor and turn purple then brown. Dip your pruning tool in a mixture of 70 percent denatured alcohol and 30 percent water.

2. Make a 45 degree downward cut next to the branch collar. The branch collar is the swelling that attaches the branch to the trunk. Evergreens cannot grow needles on branches that are free of needles, so it is best to remove the branch completely.

3. Cut any competing leaders. Spruce trees need on strong leader to maintain its strength and shape. A competing leader is a vertically growing branch.

4. Prune back side buds on young spruces to encourage bushier trees. Maintain the spruce tree's pyramidal shape by cutting off side branches that are longer than the main leader of the tree.

5. Remove any branches that are rubbing against each other, growing outside of the designated planting location or pushing against the ground or other structure.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune spruce trees in the winter or early spring.

• Remove diseased needles or branches from underneath the tree, because fungal spores can travel through the wind or rain.

References

• Colorado State University: Pruning Evergreens
• The US Department of Agriculture: How to Prune Coniferous Evergreens