I have a beautiful flowering crabapple tree that needs pruning. I've seen
that its branching habit is one tree branch (or stem) always branches into
two or three new branches.

Does anyone know the proper place to make the pruning cut; for example, just
below the point where the branching occurs or somewhere else? Or should I
just ignore pruning in a precise spot, but prune to give the tree the best
all around shape (you know: a little cut here, a big cut there, and not be
concerned about where the branching occured?). Thanks!

Jim

I have a beautiful flowering crabapple tree that needs pruning. I've seen
that its branching habit is one tree branch (or stem) always branches into
two or three new branches.

Does anyone know the proper place to make the pruning cut; for example, just
below the point where the branching occurs or somewhere else? Or should I
just ignore pruning in a precise spot, but prune to give the tree the best
all around shape (you know: a little cut here, a big cut there, and not be
concerned about where the branching occured?). Thanks!

Jim

It's best to prune to a branch point wherever possible, leaving a growing point
at the end of every branch. You should avoid stubs at all costs.

Wait to prune until after the tree blooms.


John C. Schmid

Most importantly - be sure to learn where to make the actual cut when
trimming a branch off completely. The 'branch-bark ridge' is where the bark
tissues of the trunk and branch meet and swell as they accommodate each
other. NEVER cut into (or behind) this structure - always leave it intact.

--
Mike LaMana, MS
Heartwood Consulting Services, LLC
Toms River, NJ
www.HeartwoodConsulting.net


"Jim Schott" wrote in message
...
I have a beautiful flowering crabapple tree that needs pruning. I've seen
that its branching habit is one tree branch (or stem) always branches into
two or three new branches.

Does anyone know the proper place to make the pruning cut; for example,
just
below the point where the branching occurs or somewhere else? Or should
I
just ignore pruning in a precise spot, but prune to give the tree the best
all around shape (you know: a little cut here, a big cut there, and not
be
concerned about where the branching occured?). Thanks!

Jim