Initial Pruning

• The first pruning session usually occurs at the time of planting, although some maritime pines may not require this initial pruning. This trimming session involves removing uneven growth that gives the tree a lopsided or uneven appearance. Removing the elongated or unattractive branches can help bring the canopy of the tree into balance with the young root system. Waiting to remove uneven growth can make the branches more difficult to remove later and may alter the permanent appearance of the tree.
  
  

Maintenance Pruning

• Like other types of trees in the landscape, maritime pines can experience damage due to disease and weather. Trimming off broken and diseased limbs as soon as you notice them growing among the healthy foliage will help keep the damage from spreading. Prune damaged branches from your maritime pine tree by removing the limb within the healthy portion of the growth. This can help safeguard the remaining growth from disease pathogens and promote wound healing.
  
  

Annual Pruning

• Maritime pine trees seldom require extensive trimming to maintain the overall appearance of the tree. These trees grow to an average height between 40 and 60 feet tall, forming horizontal, drooping branches. With age, maritime pine trees tend to lose their lower branches and may require trimming to balance the shape near the bottom of the tree. The best time to perform annual trimming is during the dormant season, usually between the late winter and early spring seasons. This is when the bark is least susceptible to damage.
  
  

Considerations

• Gently scrape the surface bark on branches that appear dead before removing them from your maritime pine tree. If the area beneath the scraped bark appears green and moist, rather than dry and brown, the branch may continue to grow. When pruning your maritime pine tree, disinfect your pruning shears and branch saws to minimize the risk of spreading disease pathogens throughout healthy branches and other trees. Remove all pruned vegetation from the area beneath the trimmed maritime pine to help eliminate possible sources of fungal and bacterial growth.