Sometimes trees that are perfect for the space that they inhabit when planted simply become too big for that space when they reach maturity. So we end up with the difficult decision of what to do about them. Can we train them to fit into their space with pruning? Or are we just trying to fit a buzzard into a birdcage?

Pruning trees to fit into spaces is an acceptable practice for some trees because of their high tolerance for pruning, and their ability to heal and adapt to the alternate forms that we may impose upon them. Indeed, some trees such as fruit trees and dwarf hybrids tend to thrive when pruned correctly. So it is sometimes completely appropriate to manage a tree’s size and form to fit in the space that is available.