First-Year Tree Pruning Guide
This guide explains the simple pruning needed in the first year after planting for 1,2 and 3 year old trees and does not cover pruning requirements after that. This page covers simple shaping cuts for young trees only (no maintenance or renewal pruning).
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Why Do We Prune?
In the first year we keep pruning simple — remove damage, stop branches rubbing, and for very young trees, set the height where future branches will start. This keeps the tree healthy and helps it grow the shape you want.
What Does “Bare Root” Mean?
Bare root means the tree was lifted in winter when it’s dormant (no leaves, asleep, naked, not much to look at) — usually November to March — and supplied without a pot.
Bare root trees are lighter, easier to handle, and often establish better when planted correctly. However, they can have a slightly higher failure rate if roots dry out, they’re planted too deep, or not watered through spring and summer. Good planting and early care make all the difference.
Typically sold bare root: Maidens (always), 1-year feathered maidens (winter), many 2-year feathered trees, most bush, half-standard and standard forms.
Usually not bare root: Patio or container trees (some stock may be potted for spring/summer sale).
Cell-Grown (Plug) Trees — What Do I Do?
What it looks like: A small young tree in a plug of compost; compact roots; very easy to plant.
- No shaping cuts in the first year. Do not shorten healthy tips.
- Only remove anything broken or dead after planting.
- Focus on watering and weed control so it establishes quickly.
If bought in spring or summer: plant and leave to grow; do any shaping this coming winter (when it has no leaves).
If bought bare in winter: still avoid shaping the first year; save training cuts for next winter once it’s established.
Maiden Trees (1 Year Old, Bare Root)
What it looks like: One straight stem with few or no side branches. Maidens are always bare root and sold leafless.
If you don’t prune a maiden, it will keep growing upwards, stay thin, and be slow to form a good head of branches.
Choose your form, then make one clean cut at the height below. That cut sets where branches will start next spring:
- Bush: 45–60 cm (1½–2 ft)
- Half-Standard: 80–100 cm (2½–3 ft)
- Standard: 1.8–2 m (6–6½ ft)
After the main cut, leave new shoots alone until autumn. Only remove anything broken or rubbing.
1-Year Feathered Maiden
What it looks like: A young tree with a few side branches. Often bare root in winter; sometimes potted in early spring.
- Pick your goal (bush, half-standard, standard) and cut to height as above.
- Remove shoots below that height for a clear trunk.
- Keep shoots above that height for the head. Don’t shorten tips until autumn.
Feathered Tree (2 Years Old)
What it looks like: A straight stem with stronger side branches ready to train.
- For a bush: Keep most lower branches; remove damaged or rubbing ones.
- For a half-standard: Clear branches below 80–100 cm; keep those above.
- For a standard: Clear side branches up to 1.8 m; keep those above for the head.
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Bush Trees (2–3 Years Old)
What it looks like: A short, stocky tree with branches starting near the ground, forming a small rounded head.
- Remove anything broken or rubbing.
- Don’t shorten healthy tips in spring or summer.
Half-Standard Trees (2–3 Years Old)
What it looks like: Short bare trunk (80–100 cm) with a rounded head above.
- Trim each branch tip by one-third to even shape.
- Remove any broken or rubbing pieces.
Standard Trees (3–4 Years Old)
What it looks like: Tall clear trunk (~1.8 m) with a formed head above.
- Trim each outer branch by about one-third for balance.
- Remove any damaged or rubbing branches.
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Apples & Pears — First Year
- Keep pruning minimal: just shaping and removing damage or rubbing.
Stone Fruit (Plums, Cherries, Gages)
- Prune only in summer, after picking fruit.
- Never prune in winter — risk of infection.
Ornamental Trees — First Year
What they look like: Grown for looks — flowers, bark, or leaf colour. Bare root in winter; potted in summer.
- Remove damaged or rubbing branches as needed.
Aftercare in the First Year
- Water: Soak in dry spells.
- Support: Check stake and tie regularly.
- Weeds: Keep a weed-free circle at the base.
- Pests: Watch for aphids or caterpillars.
After your first full growing season, plan further shaping in the correct season — winter for most trees, summer for stone fruit.
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