If the crotch angles are narrow, then they can break off more easily under stress. You can read in the article about choose limbs with wide crotch angles and ones that are space at least 6' apart.įrom my research in other areas, that is about strength.

If you're sure it will, it can go now and save the energy for other limbs you'll keep. After that, you need to imagine if a limb is going to fall into one of these categories in the future. Personally, when I prune a tree, I start with dead wood, then limbs that are crossing, then limbs growing to the inside or downward. You can also start to look at your tree and contemplate which limbs need to be cut and which stay.

You'll notice that while the article says you need to wait for dormancy, you can prune dead wood and should prune out diseased wood, even if it's actively growing. You could probably go ahead and start fertilizing the plant to encourage new growth now, so that you'll have something to work with later.

Here is a link to a page I was actually looking at just now from the Clemson College of SC's Home and Garden Info Center: I'd personally choose option 2 and take the DIY root :)). This would make it quick and hopefully make sure it's done right.

One, is to call a professional to come in and do major adjustments.

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