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Developmental PruningDevelopmental pruning of young trees is an extremely important arboricultural practice. It is one of the most important things you can do for your tree. Developmental pruning is required on some trees to help create sound branching structure. This pruning should be done in the first ten years of a trees life. The purpose of this type of pruning is to prevent problems that may occur down the road. Potential future storm damage can be prevented by this type of pruning. While some trees require little in way of pruning, many trees could use a little help from a qualified arborist. Some trees are naturally weak wooded (Magnolia). If limbs are allowed to grow too long, heavy snow or ice can break them. Some trees produce branches with poor attachment angles (Bradford Pear). Trees that have branches with poor attachment angles should have these limbs removed before they get too large and heavy. These branches may eventually contain included bark. Branches with included bark are weakly attached to the trunk. These are the branches that are notorious for breaking during high wind, heavy snow or ice storms. Corrective pruning done early in a trees life can help prevent this. Branches that could potentially grow into structures should be directionaly pruned or removed altogether. It is important to identify these limbs as soon as possible. Low hanging limbs over roads and sidewalks can create a hazzard. They should obviously be removed. Limbs should also be directionaly pruned away from sidewalk lamps and security lights if possible. A strong tree will have well spaced and balanced limbs. Proper pruning early in a trees life will help to assure this.
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