A. The objective of
pruning is for safety, health and aesthetics. Pruning is done to train the
plant, maintain plant health to improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage
or stems and to restrict growth. The best time for pruning is during the
dormant period in late winter, however dead branches and limbs can be removed at
any time. Pruning in the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow
from cut branches. There is no way to tell how often to prune a
tree. That depends on the type of tree, its growth rate, the space
available and the ultimate size you desire. Prune newly transplanted trees
right away to help the tree recover from root loss. Buds and twigs emerge
from the tree limbs in all directions. Pruning limbs upward encourages
horizontal growth; pruning above a bud facing the center of the tree will
encourage more vertical growth. It is always best to consider a tree's
natural form while pruning. The lower limbs on the trunk should be left
alone for 1 to 2 years. This will encourage thicker and quicker trunk
development, especially for oak and pecan trees. These limbs can be
removed once the trunk is stable enough to support the top growth. Topping
and tipping are pruning practices that harm trees and should not be used.
This practice invariably results in weakened branches and decay. The
general recommendation of Texas Cooperative Extension is that there
is no need to apply any pruning paint after pruning since pruning paint does not
do anything to enhance wound closure. Many wound paints actually slow
development of callous and wound closure.