Healthy Oak trees require only infrequent pruning every 5-10 years. Obviously, pruning should target dead limbs, limbs growing into buildings or utility lines, self-inflicted wounds (such as limbs rubbing together) and poor structural pattern growth. However, cosmetic pruning to strip small limbs from major branches is normally unnecessary. Trees need internal limbs on major branches to insure proper growth and taper to help the branch withstand the whipping action from winds during storms. Never remove more than 25% of the canopy.
January 20th, 2010