**FULL QUESTION**
Dear Gardening Life,
I planted a blue spruce last year. This year it has grown branches that are long and pointed up. The top of the tree is long and scrawny and looks off balance. Can I prune it?
*—Helen Street*
**ANSWER**
Hi Helen,
The main upright stem of a tree is called the leader. This should not be cut; doing so will prevent the tree from developing its proper shape. If there are branches growing up beside the leader and competing with it, those branches can be cut back. Most spruces grow naturally in a pyramidal shape but you can enhance that form and make the tree bushier by nipping back the tips of the branches. Spruces develop side buds on their twigs so nip back just to some side buds which will develop new growth. This is usually done in June or July.
*—Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
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