Trimming Spruce, How Far is Too Far?

[Nutball]

How far is safe to trim back Spruce and similar trees if trying to even them out? The goal is to not kill any branches, and hopefully have it eventually fill in nicely.

A picture for example

 

[Burnham]

I'm leaning towards #3 as the max...but I await other input with interest. At #4, there is not as much new annual growth taking place, mostly just maintaining what is established.

Conifers in general adapt to shade by die back of the most shaded branches. If you trim back to that zone, the vegetation is not very likely to reverse adapt to sunlight conditions.

 

[flushcut]

I say 3 as well.

 

[stikine]

I could get away with 4 here but our conditions are a bit different.

 

[Nutball]

So it would grow back from there? Do you think due to humidity or just slow growing?

 

[stikine]

So it would grow back from there? Do you think due to humidity or just slow growing?

Sitka spruce will branch off quite readily in most situations. Pretty fast growing actually.

 

[Mick!]

4

 

[flushcut]

Imo if you are just trying to even it out shape wise be careful how much weight you take off as the limbs will pick up. It also looks like a Norway spruce(maybe) so it filling back in probably ain’t gonna happen.