How often should a dwarf Alberta spruce be pruned?

The Dwarf Alberta spruce does not need to be pruned. However, these trees can be pruned in late winter or early spring if desired. Pruning is occasionally done to encourage a young tree to become bushier or to encourage a more desirable shape in an older tree.

Clip off lateral and side branch tips just after a growth bud to encourage the bud to grow. The new growth will fill in open spaces in the tree's shape. To encourage a more conical shape, clip off no more than 3 inches of the tips of branches as needed. To prevent the tree from getting taller or wider than desired, snip off 1/2 to 1 inch of the ends of the lateral branches.