Loblolly Pine Pruning Question

[Warlock]

If i wanted to slow down the continued upward growth of this loblolly pine, i would just trim off the tips that are growing up? maybe like 1/3 or 1/2 of that new growth..?
TIA

 

[bwaynef]

A lot of early-stage pine work isn't exactly obvious. You could certainly do what you suggest and it would have the effect you're after, but if you posted a picture of the whole tree and state your goals for the tree, we might give you advice other than cutting the top out of it.

 

[TomP]

Is the trunk the size you want it or do you still want it to get thicker?

 

[Dav4]

Having a plan is key here. Most strategies for developing pines utilize sacrifice branches while building the trunk and roots. Essentially, the technique involves picking a trunk line that may use one of those lower side branches as the next trunk section, but allowing the stronger main upper leader to grow on to add mass to everything below it for several years before removal. Fwiw, it's very important to establish movement via wire and pruning early on as that becomes much harder as trunks and branches thicken.