How to Prune a Canary Inland Pine Tree

Examine the Canary Island pine's foliage for branches that have large clusters of dead or dying needles. Clumps of dead vegetation within a healthy tree usually signal the presence of disease or damage within a branch or branches. Trim branches with heavy needle damage by cutting them off with a branch saw or pruning shears just below the area of damage. Remove broken and/or damaged branches when they appear. Their quick removal will enhance the tree's appearance and help to prevent disease and pest infestations.

Perform regular pruning in springtime, when the tree emerges from its dormant stage and new growth begins to appear. Use pruning shears to snip off the candles at their base. The candles are the new growth that resembles vertical fingers along the branches. Remove them to encourage fullness and to limit the pine's overall size.

Trim low branches along the canopy's base with a branch saw. Although these lower branches eventually die as the tree matures, removing them while they are living will increase the height of the lower canopy and allow more sunlight to reach the area below the tree.

Walk around the Canary Island pine while looking for overgrown branches that distort the tree's overall appearance or shape. Snip the ends of excessively long branches to create an even canopy.

Remove all trimmed vegetation from the area below the pine tree. Leaving dead vegetation to decompose beneath the tree increases the risk of fungal, viral and bacterial growth, and the material creates an enticing habitat for pests and vermin.