Pruning Young Trees To Strengthen Trunk
Images Source - TREES, ASSOCIATES, and SHIGO (2 CD set).

Removing the lower branches on a young tree over a three year period can strengthen the central leader.  Prune the first 2 years back to a lateral on the branch (1 and 2)  1 is the first year and 2 is the second.  The 3 would be the third year back to the branch collar.  Not wounding the collar and not leaving a stub.  For making the third year cuts - see below for targets.

The works of Dr. Alex L. Shigo.

John A. Keslick Jr.
Consulting Tree Biologist
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