Question: Do I need to prune my new balled-and-burlapped trees?

Answer: Yes, to compensate for roots that were lost as they were dug and planted. Generally you’ll want to remove 30 to 40 percent of the top growth, either by cutting the trees back, or by thinning them out. Remove the limbs that have the least to do with the mature shape you want the tree to develop. For the record, bare-rooted trees should be pruned back by 50 percent at planting.