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Q&A - Should I prune the Y in my tree?

Question:
My maple tree has a Y at the top of the trunk. There's a slightly bigger branch, and a slightly smaller branch. While the tree is smaller, should I prune out the smaller branch, so the tree will not split when it is large?

Answer:
Tree branches tend to be stronger when they come out of the trunk closer to 90 degrees. Branches that come out at a shallow angle are weak and will eventually break off the tree. Even though the branch in question is a significant part of the tree the tree will heal. Retired UT extension agent Mike Dennison says in his mind when in doubt, prune it. He says that you can prune it or mother nature can prune it, and your prune is cleaner.

Related Resources:
Pruning Young Landscape Trees
Pruning Deciduous Trees
Pruning and Care of Shade Trees
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search