How to prune carob

Late spring to early summer, once the risk of frost is past and the tree is actively growing. On young trees, select 3–5 main scaffold branches and remove competing leaders early. Remove dead or crossing branches back to the collar on mature trees. Keep cuts small and clean; avoid large-diameter cuts where possible.

Formative pruning in first 3–5 years; thereafter only as needed for dead or damaged wood. Carob is a slow-growing, long-lived Mediterranean tree that requires very little pruning once its framework is established. Young trees benefit from formative shaping to develop a clear trunk and balanced canopy. Mature trees need only the removal of dead, diseased or crossing wood. Avoid heavy pruning, as carob heals slowly and is prone to decay at large wounds.

On young trees, select 3–5 main scaffold branches and remove competing leaders early. Remove dead or crossing branches back to the collar on mature trees. Keep cuts small and clean; avoid large-diameter cuts where possible.