How Do You Prune Weeping Birch Trees?
If proper care is taken, a weeping birch tree has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Pruning a weeping birch keeps it healthy and gives it a better shape. Items needed to prune a weeping birch tree are gloves, pruning shears and a pruning saw.
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Prune at the correct time
Prune weeping birch trees in the winter. Do not prune between May 1 and Aug. 1. This is the time of the year when the tree is most likely affected by bronze birch borers.
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Eliminate damaged branches
Remove all shoots and sprouts from around the base of the tree. Remove dead, diseased and damaged branches. If left intact, they can cause insect infestation to spread to other parts of the tree. Cut branches with pruning shears where the branch meets the trunk of the tree. Do not leave stumps.
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Remove large branches
When cutting large branches, make a cut on the underside of the limb one-third of the way into the branch. Cut from the upper side of the branch to meet the underside cut. The branch will fall off. Prune the remaining stub back to the trunk of the tree. Remove branches touching the ground, or use pruning shears to trim them. Remove branches that rub each other. Remove branches not growing in the desired shape.
