Chinese Pistache Initial Pruning: Tip Pruning for Structure

Chinese pistache planted spring 2011. Awkward form, one long right branch. Asked if/where to prune.

Recommendation

Lightly tip-prune main leaders: cut back 6–9 inches to a lateral shoot. Encourages branching over elongation. Don't prune internally for several years. Keep small suckers.

Note

Chinese pistache are naturally awkward when young. This one shows "lion's tailed" tendency (bare interior, heavy ends).

Visual Guide