Balsams should need pruning only to tame their sprawling growth habits into ornamental tree shape. ... The mature tree will be shorter but fuller than a natural-shaped tree. Triple-cut conifer branches. Be sure to shear evenly, taking 10 to 12 inches off terminal branch ends each season.

Can you prune a balsam fir?

Pruning from late March to early May will produce less, bud significant response in subsequent bud development but little in first-season shoot development. Pruning from November to March can be as effective as pruning in late March and early April, but risks of damage are greater.

Is tree pruning necessary?

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Unlike forest trees, landscape trees need a higher level of care to maintain structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology because improper pruning can create lasting damage or shorten the tree's life.