Pruning and planting trees

See our illustrated step-by-step instructions

Learning to plant and prune trees will let you shape your outdoor spaces into a more inviting place. Plantings can shield your house from sun and cold winds while increasing curb appeal.

Proper planting can reduce the need for water, fertilizer, and pesticides while helping trees and shrubs survive normal disease and other stresses. Regular pruning will maintain both your yard's overall looks an a tree's health. Pruning can dramatically increase the quality and quantity of flowers or fruits a tree produces.

Proper pruning also helps hedges provide the denseness and privacy you expect, and keep fast-growing hedges at the right length, and prevent damage from winter storms. See the links at left (and our free buyers guides to hedge trimmers and chain saws) for more on the tools and techniques you'll need. Or discuss your bests planting and pruning practices in our lawn and garden forum.