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Pruning and trimming a Norfolk pine tree in USA

The Norfolk pine tree can be a good houseplant if you grow it like a bonsai tree. Though it is fully capable to grow outside in warm climate conditions.

Sometimes people consider it as a Christmas tree but after cutting it from the stem, it starts to shrivel quickly. Being an evergreen tree, these Norfolk pine trees are beneficial for some other reasons too. It is considered an air-purifying tree that filters the VO(volatile organic) compounds from the air. 

Apart from its benefits, the Norfolk pine tree required proper care, especially pruning from time to time.

Pruning a Norfolk pine tree

Pruning should be done at the right time with the right technique for the Norfolk pine tree. It shouldn't be random or irregular. But before telling you the steps of pruning, I want you to know the growing conditions for the Norfolk pine tree. 

Pruning Norfolk pine tree

Growing conditions of Norfolk pine tree

Let's discuss the growing conditions for the Norfolk pine tree in brief and then we'll move on to the steps to prune and trim it. 

  • Climate conditions

Even warm climate conditions are good enough for growing Norfolk pine trees. If you can maintain the bright sunlight for at least 4 to 5 hours in the daytime and partial shade for 5 6 hours then it will be good. 

  • Soil type

A well-drained soil is good enough that doesn't hold water for a long time or doesn't get wet easily is ideal for the Norfolk pine tree. 

But it should be fertilized enough with drainage quality. 

  • Temperature

In summer, the temperature should not be a worry if it touches 90F maximum. In winter, it should not drop below 35F or 34F. 

For the rest of the year, the temperature can vary according to the season change. 

  • Irrigation 

Irrigation of Norfolk pine trees is only required when the soil gets dry or less moist. If the soil is wet then don't irrigate for a couple of days as the soil becomes slightly dry. 

  • Fertilization

Fertilization of the soil is similar to irrigation; when required. Every two months, you can fertilize your pine tree if you are growing it indoors and the plant is getting dry or light in color. Don't hesitate if your plant needs early fertilization during summer or fall. 

Why pruning is important for Norfolk pine?

Pruning provides shape and balance to the Norfolk pine. As people choose it for decoration, it is important to prune it to keep it in shape and balance in weight. 

Sometimes, unnecessary branches of the Norfolk tree bend its stem in a certain direction. Pruning older branches helps to keep it as a household plant. 

Requirements to prune and trim

Following are the requirements to prune and trim a tree-like Norfolk pine with the DIY method- 

  • Trimming scissors
  • Cutters 
  • Wooden stands
  • Long-handle pruning tools

Steps to prune Norfolk pine

If you never touched a plant or a tree to trim or prune, then maybe you should practice using tools before starting it for the first time. If you are ready, then the following steps will 

Step 1- At first, consider a shape of Norfolk plant shape in your mind or on paper. Generally, an ideal shape for Norfolk pine is triangular. 

Step 2- Mark the branches and portions you want to prune and trim. 

Step 3- Make your tools ready for pruning and trimming. 

Step 4- Fix a stand to provide support to the plant. 

Step 5- Use a cloth around the plant to collect the pruned and trimmed leaves and branches. 

Step 6- Start pruning the marked sections and keep it continuing till the final shape. 

Step 7- Clean all the trimmed leaves finally. Don't leave them on the surface or near around. 

Step 8- Finally, clean all the tools after completing the pruning of the Norfolk pine. Use antibacterial cleaners to clean them.

When to trim a Norfolk pine?

The best time to prune a Norfolk pine is late spring or early summer. At this time, if the Norfolk pine tree is feeling any stress or difficulty in growth by chance then there is a lot of time to peak during summer.

Apart from the trimming and pruning period, the right climate conditions are also important. I forgot to tell you earlier that I've got a few Norfolk pine trees in my garden. I've found that the right time and the right timing is a very major reason for their better growth. I always prune and trim them when they start to incline towards a side, the shape becomes irregular, and branches start to grow longer than required. If you want to grow them healthier and shape them accordingly, you should prune them in late spring or early summer. Despite this, you can prune them in mid-fall too before starting the winter season to release extra stress.

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