Pruning question

[Skelly]

Question is regarding the 3-4 lower branches that are within the cage.

I recently mad some small cuts above the buds just above the cage height starting at 5’. I am hopeful to get some branching starting at that point.

Am I understanding that the 3-4 lower branches will be pruned as this tree gets more limbs higher up?

Thanks.

Matt

 

[Prof.Kent]

Once you take the cage off from around the tree, deer will lay bare all small branches up to 5-to-6-ft above ground.
Therefore, you may remove any branch lower than 4-5 feet above ground once the tree gets about 8+ feet tall.
There is no use letting the tree waste energy growing a limb that will be destroyed by deer someday. This is called "crown-lifting", i.e, removing lower branches so the crown of the tree looks like it has been lifted, or pulled upward. It is much easier to mow around, too.

 

[Skelly]

Thank you sir.