How to prune liquidambar styraciflua 'worplesdon'

Late winter (February–March) before bud break. In the first 5 years, select and retain a dominant central leader, removing any competing upright rivals back to the trunk collar. On mature trees, limit cuts to dead wood and crossing branches. Clean sharp cuts back to the collar — no stubs.

Formative pruning for first 5 years; thereafter every 3–5 years as needed. Worplesdon sweet gum requires the same minimal pruning as the species: remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and establish a clear central leader in early years. The strong upright form largely self-maintains. Late winter, before bud break, is the preferred timing for any structural cuts.

In the first 5 years, select and retain a dominant central leader, removing any competing upright rivals back to the trunk collar. On mature trees, limit cuts to dead wood and crossing branches. Clean sharp cuts back to the collar — no stubs.