Pruning Young Oaks

This is meant as a refresher to Guy Sternberg’s article found in International Oaks No. 24. I won’t go into such great detail, but I recommend reading that article again for those that may be a bit squeamish about pruning their own trees or may want a refresher about the physiology involved. The particular tree in question is a Q. ×schuettei (planted as Q. bicolor) growing in a park landscape I am now responsible for. This tree had not been pruned for many years, if at all and as a result it had grown competing leaders. These co-dominant stems were already becoming an issue and if left unchecked, would become a much larger issue. Many times co-dominant stems develop included bark* which will become weaker as the tops grow taller, heavier and create more sail. I decided to reduce these stems in stages instead of removing them all at once, which is easier on the tree**. Some of these competing stems will be reduced and redirected for lateral growth. The largest competing stem will be removed altogether over the next two growing seasons as the smaller branches fill in the open space. Large holes left in the canopy are prone to sun-scalding and should be avoided when possible.

I will need to check the tree in-between prunings and may need to remove or reduce any water sprouts that may pop up as a result of these directional cuts.

*Included bark occurs at very narrow branch angles and as the tree grows more caliper, these stems effectively push away from one another creating weak points.

**”Easier” in that less leaf matter/food production is lost and smaller holes in the canopy mean less chance for sun scalding. The tradeoff is that the ultimate final cut will be slightly larger later on meaning there will be a larger wound to seal.  

Co-dominant stems	Co-dominant stems split again

Undesirable branch angles	Mess of stems

Reducing stems to redirect growth	Reducing large stem over time

Finished (for now) job

Closer look at finished job	Handful of scion!