How to Prune a Tipu Tree

The South American tree called Tipuana tipu grows rapidly and produces bright yellow flowers in late June. It does well in USDA hardiness zones 9 though 11 as long as it's planted in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. As it grows, the tipu develops a large, umbrella-like canopy. It can get out of control without maintenance pruning. One drawback of this tree is that it develops fruit pods which, along with the flowers, fall to the ground, making quite a mess in the yard.

Pruning saw
Loppers
Chain saw

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the lowest limbs to create an inverted vase shape. Low stems often grow on tipu trees and if you leave them in place they may result in limb failure.
- 2
  Prune limbs that are broken, diseased or dead. This can be done at any time of year. Cut them at the joint they share with healthy branches.
- 3
  Prune away wayward branches that are not growing in the right direction. Also target those that are not productive, with little foliage growth.
- 4
  Make cuts almost flush. Cut branches off where they touch limbs. Cut limbs off where they meet the trunk. Small swollen areas should remain, not stubs because stubs can rot and invite infestation.
- 5
  Cut into larger limbs in three spots. Run the saw partway through the bottom of the limb first, then move farther out and cut down from the top to remove the limb. Finally, cut the stub off. This will ensure the wood isn't torn or shredded.

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