Should I Prune My Alder Tree?

Are there any dead, dying, or diseased branches on your Alder tree?

Are there any branches infected by pests?

Are there any small branches growing off the trunk beneath larger branches?

Are there any branches that are rubbing against each other or creating a thick branch screen inside the tree?

Remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches on the Alder tree first to keep the tree healthy, preventing any problems from spreading to the rest of the tree. Take each branch back to the first healthy joint where it intersects with another limb and make a clean cut with the pruning shears or loppers. Avoid tearing the wood or bark, as this can invite bugs or other diseases to invade the tree. Use a ladder to reach taller sections of the tree.

Remove branches infected by pests, such as one of several types of boring beetles, aphids, or tent caterpillars. Remove the infested branch back to the first junction and dispose of both the wood and the pests to avoid a reinfestation in your yard.

Trim off any small branches or stems growing off the central leading trunk of the Alder tree that fall below the beginning larger branches, such as young shoots protruding from the trunk, or root suckers.

Thin any branches that are rubbing against each other or creating a thick branch screen inside the tree, limiting proper air circulation and light filtration.

Prune any branches that are protruding out from the rest of the tree, causing an uneven appearance on one side. Cut the branch back to the rest of the tree line to give it a uniform appearance.