pruning Most tree species only need limbing-up in the early years, then a bit of thinning by drop-pruning every few years thereafter, as needed, in the proper season:
Generally, evergreen species should be pruned in Summer and semi/deciduous species should be pruned in Winter – when they are in their respective dormant periods – in order to minimize the negative horticultural and aesthetic impacts of sap bleeding. Deadwood (which is most easily identified when deciduous trees are in full leaf) should be removed promptly – at any time of year – in order to minimize negative horticultural and aesthetic impacts. If these species are grown in appropriate conditions, then they should require little and/or infrequent pruning after their structures are properly established in the first few years. In any case, remove no more than ¼ of the foliage (or foliage-bearing branches) in any one year so that the remaining foliage can sustain the tree for another year…and beyond.