How to prune wilson spruce

Early spring before or just as candles extend. Snap or snip half of each new candle (the soft, elongating shoot tip) in spring to slow extension and increase density. Remove dead branches back to healthy wood or the trunk at any time of year.

Rarely — candling annually if compact form is a goal, otherwise only for dead-wood removal. Wilson Spruce needs little pruning. As a conifer, it does not break bud from old bare wood, so cutting back hard causes permanent gaps. Remove dead or broken branches cleanly, and pinch candle growth (new shoot tips) in spring if a compact form is wanted. Otherwise, let it grow naturally.

Snap or snip half of each new candle (the soft, elongating shoot tip) in spring to slow extension and increase density. Remove dead branches back to healthy wood or the trunk at any time of year.