Pruning is essential for a quality tree. Uniformity in size, shape, and quality are all impacted by pruning.

Ornamentals: As with shade trees, how a flowering tree is pruned is determined by the market and its sale size. Often permanent branches on flowering trees begin branching at 3" or lower. Many ornamental trees branch well without heading the leader. If not, the tree should be headed back to a bud at around 3-4'.

Many ornamental trees will have 7-12 branches evenly spaced around the trunk before the central leader loses dominance and divides into smaller branches. Often this happens after 1-3 feet of branching.

Photo: Several branches well spaced along a leader from 3.5 feet to 6' (3rd year crabapple).

Weeping Trees: Weeping branches should be pruned 6-8" from the top graft. This will force thick, full branching from this point downward as new branches grow from buds near the cut. Unpruned weeping trees will have sparse, spindly growth. Weeping trees that are pruned too far down from the graft will still have dense foliage grow from buds near the cut. However, the resulting appearance will be less desirable as customers desire a full canopy from top to bottom.

For more information: NCSU Leaflet 406. Pruning Field Grown Shade and Flowering Trees, 1996 and Edward F. Gilman's An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, 2002.

Insects:
Increasing numbers of two spotted spider mites have been seen on maples at several locations. Spider mites are not usually a pest of woody ornamentals. Spider mite feeding creates a stippled look on leaves. Hot, dry weather will likely lead to increased populations. Thorough coverage is essential to control spider mites. Do not spray with carbaryl (Sevin) as it can increase in spider mite populations.
Products labeled to control spider mites:
Avid, Cythion, Hexygon, Joust, Mavrik Aquaflow, Morestan, Pentac, Resmethrin, Scimitar, and Talstar.

Disease:
Black knot has been seen on some Plums. It should be pruned out and destroyed where possible to prevent becoming a source of infection and to prevent further damage. Wild plums and cherries in nearby fields should be removed.
Fungicides labeled for control:
Cleary's 3336F plus Captan 50WP or Domain FL plus Captan 50WP. Applications are made in spring at six different times starting at bud break and continuing to ten days after shuck split.

Source:Source: Dr. John Hartman, UK Extension Plant Pathologist, 2002.
University of Tennessee publication PB1234, 1999.