Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - September 02, 2015
From: gulfport, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Pruning Spruce Pine (Prunus glabra)
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I have a Pinus glabra/spruce pine that is approx. 7' tall. It's limbs are few and some have been broken. Will trimming back the longer limbs to give it a Christmas shape harm this tree?ANSWER:
Spruce pine is a 100 ft. evergreen with bark unlike that of other pines. At first smooth and gray, it later becomes closely ridged, suggestive of spruces. Needles are short, 1-4 in., and in bundles of two.
The USDA says that Spruce pine will reach 30-50 feet in open areas and it grows slowly. The trunk often twists with age and becomes irregular so don't expect it to create a perfect Christmas tree shape as it matures.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service has a good information sheet on pruning evergreen trees that will help with training your tree while it is young.Certainly prune any broken limbs. You can prune the longer branches but only where there are needles still present.
From the Image Gallery
More Pruning Questions
Rejuvenating an old Wax myrtle hedge
February 15, 2016 - I have 8 wax myrtles that were planted about 9 years ago as a screen from our neighbors. They are about 12 feet high. During the past 9 months they are getting thinner and thinner. Two of them hav...
view the full question and answer
Why aren't my Forsythias blooming in Stone Mountain, GA?
March 24, 2010 - We have a large forsythia stand that has bloomed beautifully for 14 years in a row. Two summers ago I cut them way back in July. For the past two years they have only leafed out, no, or very few bloom...
view the full question and answer
Pruning the leaves of Sago Palm.
March 10, 2010 - Is it a cardinal sin to remove all the sago palm branches? This winter they were so badly scorched by the cold that hardly a frond went unaffected. So I cut them all off as I needed to get around the...
view the full question and answer
Questions about care and pruning of Mexican Plum and Mountain Laurel in Austin, TX.
January 24, 2012 - I have a couple of questions regarding tree care and pruning.
I have a Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana), about 10 years old or so. I would like to prune it. Is it ok to prune now in late wi...
view the full question and answer
Spring care for Garrya ovata from Pflugerville, TX
February 24, 2014 - Hello again, Mr. S-P,
I planted a Mexican silktassel in April 2012 (purchased at the WFC). It has done well, but the leaves are bronzed and splotchy from this winter's freezes. All the stems are...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |