How to Trim Pines

Pines are evergreen trees. Pine tree species are identified by their differing cones, needles, bark and growth habits. The needles vary in length from 1 to 10 inches, and grow in bundles, called fascicles, on the limbs. Typically, pine trees lose their needles every three or four years. Pines require little to no pruning to maintain their attractive shape.

• 1

  Look at the overall pine tree and determine if it needs to be a more compact size.

• 2

  Prune the pine by pinching off 1/3 of the new growth at the top of the tree. This technique works best when new growth is in the candle stage -- the needles are in a tight cluster -- during the spring months.

• 3

  Snap the limbs off with your fingers. Using pruning shears or a knife on the candles results in brown tips on the tree.

• 4

  With pruning shears, cut diseased or damaged limbs back to the trunk. Other than breaking off the candles, no other pruning is necessary.