Trimming a Black Gum sapling - Ask Extension
Afternoon, We planted a Black Gum sapling in the fall. It has several branches and shoots that I think should be trimmed. Please see pictures I have...
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Trimming a Black Gum sapling #930807
Asked May 06, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT
Afternoon,
We planted a Black Gum sapling in the fall. It has several branches and shoots that I think should be trimmed. Please see pictures I have included.
Can you tell me what we should trim from the tree and when we should trim? It would be great if you could take pictures and circle/ mark what should be trimmed if possible.
Thank you!
Beth
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't see enough clear detail to determine what may need trimming with regards to dieback, but for now, given the setback many trees had due to the earlier frost/freeze killing or injuring the initial new growth that was emerging, the tree needs time to recover. Pruning will remove some stored energy reserves in the wood and could hamper its recovery and establishment, especially since low branches on young trees help them "caliper-up" (increase trunk girth faster) so they are more sturdy and stable as they mature. For now, you may want to wait until late May to make a pruning determination, and then only remove branches or branch tips that have not leafed back out.
We recommend removing all competing vegetation (turfgrass plus any weeds) within the caged area, and ideally a bit further out as well, especially as the tree grows. Not only are those plants competing with the tree's roots for moisture and nutrients, but you don't want to risk having anything used to cut the grass that close to the trunk injuring the bark, which can cause serious or fatal injuries for a young tree. The exposed soil can then be mulched (keeping the mulch from touching the trunk itself) to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches.
If you aren't already, monitor the tree for watering needs as the ongoing drought is causing plants stress, and producing new growth requires ample root moisture. The linked page has watering guidance.
All of the branches on a tree this young are temporary, and will eventually be shed by the tree as it matures. If they are angled too poorly or too crowded (and crossing over each other) in some areas, that can be addressed with pruning while the wood is still young and easier to trim off, but we don't see the need for that right now in the photos.
Miri
We recommend removing all competing vegetation (turfgrass plus any weeds) within the caged area, and ideally a bit further out as well, especially as the tree grows. Not only are those plants competing with the tree's roots for moisture and nutrients, but you don't want to risk having anything used to cut the grass that close to the trunk injuring the bark, which can cause serious or fatal injuries for a young tree. The exposed soil can then be mulched (keeping the mulch from touching the trunk itself) to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches.
If you aren't already, monitor the tree for watering needs as the ongoing drought is causing plants stress, and producing new growth requires ample root moisture. The linked page has watering guidance.
All of the branches on a tree this young are temporary, and will eventually be shed by the tree as it matures. If they are angled too poorly or too crowded (and crossing over each other) in some areas, that can be addressed with pruning while the wood is still young and easier to trim off, but we don't see the need for that right now in the photos.
Miri
