How to prune butternut

Late winter to early spring, before buds break; also remove diseased limbs immediately whenever found. Use clean, sharp tools disinfected between cuts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches back to healthy wood or the branch collar. On young trees, select a single dominant leader and remove competing stems.

Annually for young trees during establishment; as needed for disease removal on mature trees. Butternut needs moderate pruning to establish a strong central leader and remove dead or crossing branches. It is susceptible to butternut canker, so prompt removal of diseased wood is critical. Prune to open the canopy for airflow. Young trees benefit from formative pruning; established trees need only maintenance cuts.

Use clean, sharp tools disinfected between cuts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches back to healthy wood or the branch collar. On young trees, select a single dominant leader and remove competing stems.