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Evergreen pruning #927857

Asked April 08, 2026, 4:59 PM EDT

I am wondering if we could trim/prune the center extremely tall top of our roughly 4 year old pines. I believe they’re Colorado Blue Spruce. Several of them have a spire with no branches beneath for 1 - 2 feet. Would this harm the tree or stunt the growth?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Wanda,

Can you send some photos of your trees? I'm not exactly sure what you mean.

Generally speaking, topping spruce or other evergreen trees are not recommended.

Shane

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 08, 2026, 5:35 PM EDT

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