If you have to cut a branch larger than 2 inches (5. 1 cm) wide, use a pruning saw. This is a saw that is made to cut live wood, as opposed to a wood saw that is made to cut dry lumber.
Also, very young trees that are less than a few feet tall should not be pruned. Let the tree get established for a year or two before you start cutting its branches. This does not mean that you can’t prune an older tree. It simply means that once a white pine tree is very established, it is basically maintenance free.
Trimming a live branch in the growing season can cause damage to the bark of the tree and can invite diseases to enter the tree. This is because diseases are more active in the warm, summer months. [3] X Research source
However, no cleaning method is 100% effective for all diseases. There is no way to guarantee complete protection. Wear protective gloves while you clean your tools so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
If you were to cut the collar off you would have a much bigger wound that the tree would have to heal. Leaving it intact allows the tree to heal more quickly.
To accomplish this, do a first cut a few inches from the collar of the branch. This will ensure that any cracks and irregularities that occur while cutting won’t go into the trunk. Then do a second clean cut next to the collar of the branch.
Trimming lower branches also prevents blister rust, a fungus that infects and kills white pine trees. It is recommended that you trim all branches below 8 feet (2. 4 m) off the ground on established trees that are 25 feet (7. 6 m) or taller. [7] X Research source
It can take some practice to get good at thinning a tree. It is a subjective process that is mostly about creating an attractive and symmetrical tree. Before trimming, think about how you want the tree to look and only make cuts that move the tree closer to that image. [9] X Research source
White pines in particular are known for keeping dead branches attached for a year or two. Remember, if you are tired of looking at dead branches in your tree, you can take it out without injuring the tree.
You can trim a young tree’s leader but you don’t want to trim too much of it off. Be sure to keep at least half of the leader if you decide you need to trim it. If a leader is not growing straight up, you should train it to do so. Tie a stick to the leader and position it so that the leader is forced into a perfectly straight position. The will cause the leader and the tree overall to grow straighter.
If there are abnormal pieces of new growth, you can trim them completely off. This will ensure that only symmetrical branches thrive.
