University of Florida

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Animation of restoration pruning on horizontal branch

The clip shows how a tree can be pruned to improve structure following damage in a storm. Many branches sprout new shoots in response to the foliage and branch lose and the twisting that occurs in storms. These should be allowed to grow for one or more years until the tree appears to be recovering. Then, remove about one-third and reduce about one-third of the sprouts leaving those that remain to become the new branches. Remove and reduce those that appear to be weak or cracked or have other defects. This improves the structure of the tree by spacing branches so they do not touch and reduces potential hazards.