Pruning Saw is required if the branch is more than three quarters of an inch in size, pruning should be done in the direction of the 'Branch bark ridge' to the 'Branch collar' to allow for good healing. Branches that are too angled or too small should be removed. When pruning branches you need to leave the strong ones and remove the weak ones, keeping healthy auxiliary branches that grow outwards at about 45 degrees. This will increase ventilation and light, reduce disease infection and allow Blackjack oak to grow more vigorously. Leaving these intact will allow the tree to have a more natural and open form. Ideally, you should steer clear from pruning any of the tree’s lower limbs.
Keep an eye out for any shoots that are becoming congested or are beginning to cross and remove them. This is the period when pruning causes the least damage to the plant. The best time to prune Blackjack oak is between late winter to early spring.
