Can I Prune Conifers: Tips for Pruning Conifers

Pruning coniferous trees is rarely necessary, but pruning deciduous trees is practically a yearly ritual. This is because the lateral branches of a tree typically grow in a well-spaced manner with minimal impact on the growth of the central leader. However, there are instances when pruning conifer trees is required.

It is not “can I prune conifers?” that is the query. “Should I prune confers,” though? Continue reading to learn more about when and how to prune conifers.

Cutting Back a Conifer

Pruning a broadleaf tree and a conifer are two very different things. Pruning a broadleaf tree is necessary to maintain a stable structure, adjust lateral branch spacing, and ensure that no branches push out the center leader of the tree. Pruning can also be used to shrink a tree or balance its size.

Conifers often don’t require this kind of pruning because of their pyramidal growth habit, which eliminates the need for random shaping. Conifers naturally have the right amount of space between their lateral branches. Lastly, unless you are sheering a hedge, it is difficult to prune a conifer to reduce its size due to its growth pattern.

This is not to say that you should never visit a conifer with pruners. Conifer pruning can be crucial, particularly when trimming back conifer trees to get rid of damaged or dead branches. Removing dead or dying branches from conifers is just as important as doing the same for broadleaf trees. While safety is a factor, aesthetics is one reason for this kind of pruning. Pruning out failing limbs keeps the tree itself and people nearby safe from being harmed by the limbs collapsing.

How and When Should Conifers Be Pruned?

Readers frequently inquire, “Can I prune conifers?” You can, of course! Making sure that conifer pruning is only done when it is absolutely necessary is the key. This is so because, unlike broadleaf trees, conifers lack latent buds that, with pruning, develop into full branches. If you prune old wood on a conifer that has no visible buds, it will probably stay as a bare stub and not produce new growth.

When is it appropriate to prune coniferous trees? When a tree reaches maturity, many people like to prune off lower branches to make room beneath the tree. If done properly, this pruning won’t make the tree weaker.

• Cut the branch’s underside approximately 1/3 of the way through, starting a few inches (8 cm) above the location of the final cut.
• The branch there should then be removed by sawing through the top of that undercut.
• Lastly, cut the branch collar-preserving final piece close to the trunk.

Pruning a conifer with twin leaders is also a good idea. To let the other one take over, choose one and remove it. Make use of sterile, sharp, and clean tools, and err on the side of caution when pruning. Later on, you can always remove more.