How to Trim a Young, Tall Redbud Tree

The redbud tree is available in 30 different varieties. Shaping the trees while they are young permits the establishment of a good base structure for the growth of the tree, and it avoids the necessity of paying fees for an aerial arborist to prune mature trees later. They key to pruning for sound tree structure lies where two limbs branch out from one another; these areas are called limb unions. Limb unions that form a letter "V" are called squeezed bark unions. They will form weak limbs in the mature tree. A limb union that forms the letter "U" will be strong.

Pruning shears
Shears, scissors-type
Pruning seal (nontoxic)

Instructions

- 1
  Look for limbs that form a sharp union in the shape of the letter "V."
- 2
  Study the remaining limbs and decide which limbs to remove to achieve a balanced framework for future growth and an aesthetic appearance.
- 3
  Remove the targeted growth with the shears. Cut diagonally, just past growth-producing buds. Don't cut a branch flush at the tree trunk or into the roundish or ridged junctions where the trunk meets branches, which are called branch collars. Don't cut limbs with a crotch in the shape of the letter "U."
- 4
  Examine the cuts for any aesthetically displeasing wounds. Apply a light cosmetic coat of nontoxic tree wound dressing to cover these areas.

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