How to Trim a Buttonwood Tree
- 1). Look for large, weak or broken branches. In high winds, these may fall from the tree, so it's best to remove them when you are pruning.
- 2). Remove dead growth by cutting it back to its point of origin. When you are cutting a branch to the trunk, leave the branch collar intact. The collar is the swollen area on the trunk where the branch meets the trunk.
- 3). Remove branches that cross over others, and those growing straight up.
- 4). Trim the buttonwood into the shape you desire for the tree or shrub. The buttonwood, after it reaches one year, tolerates heavy pruning.
