about 90 percent of young ….

about 90 percent of young trees are not adequately pruned during their first five years.

“It’s really important to prune trees when they are young,” Plantenberg said.

According to information provided by the Montana Urban and Community Forrestry Association, proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Trees that receive the appropriate pruning measures while they are young will require less corrective pruning as they mature.

Limit pruning of newly planted trees to the removal of dead or broken branches. All other pruning should be withheld until the second or third year.

Key Points For Pruning Young Trees * Set an objective for why the tree will be pruned. For younger trees, the objective is to improve tree structure so the tree will be strong and not interfere with its surroundings as it matures.

* Each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree.

* Poor pruning can cause damage that lasts four the life of the tree. When a tree is damaged, it must grow over the damage and the wound is contained within the tree forever.

* Make pruning cuts just outside of the branch collar to avoid damaging the trunk.

* When a long branch needs to be shortened, prune it back to a secondary branch or bud.

* Cuts made between buds or branches may lead to stem decay, sprout production and misdirected growth, For more information, contact Plantenberg at 406-4314615.