How should I prune a newly planted tree?

Question:

How should I prune a newly planted tree?

Answer:

Trees utilize sugars and other carbohydrates manufactured by the foliage for plant growth.  Therefore, avoid the temptation to severely prune newly planted trees.  Severe pruning reduces the tree’s ability to manufacture food and actually slows plant growth.  Newly planted trees require only corrective pruning.  Remove structural defects, such as double leaders and dead, broken, or crossing branches.  Retain most of the lower branches to help stabilize the tree.  The lower branches also provide food for the growing tree.  Gradually remove the lower limbs as the tree grows during the next 5 to 10 years.  

Learn more about caring for newly planted trees in this article: Care of Newly-Planted Trees