In article ,
Broadback wrote:
Joe Shmoe wrote:

I moved into a house where the garden had laid untouched for 20years.
After clearing away all the brambles I am left with a fine specimen of a
baby oak. I'm not sure how old it is, but the trunk is apprx 6ft tall,
with the upper branches taking it to almost 10ft or so.

I'm not sure if I need to do pruning in order to encourage correct
growth - some of the upper branches are 6ft long, almost totally
horizontal, and Im scared that as they get bigger, they will be unable
to support their own weight.

Can anyone advise on how/if I should prune any of these branches ?

Generally Oaks are not pruned. However in days of yore they were, the
lower branches were removed to encourage a long straight trunk,
otherwise no mast and no sailing ships!

Er, no. Firstly, oak was never or almost never used for masts and,
secondly, it is one of the species that was coppiced (not as often
as some others, true).

Oaks can be pruned at most times of year, but probably not too hard
in the summer. However, removing or shortening branches is fine.
As you say, that is not usually done, but it can be.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.