Monterey pine: when and how to prune

Monterey pine: when to prune it?

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Little needed. Raise the crown and remove dead branches in February–March in dry weather; cut out frost damage in June.

What else to prune in those months? February · March · June

Monterey pine: how to prune it?

1. Saw off dead, broken or diseased branches close to the trunk, just outside the branch collar.
2. If you want to walk under the tree, remove the lowest branches gradually over a few years.
3. On a young tree, keep a single leader and cut out any competing leader.
4. Prune in dry weather: wounds made in wet spells are an entry point for fungi.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: February–March and June. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in March and June can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Aleppo pine
• Black pine
• Scots pine
• Weymouth pine
• Canary Island pine
• Almond tree

Plant profile: Monterey pine · Pruning calendar and basic rules