unsure if this is in the right forum, so plz feel free to move

my backyard is surrounded by pine trees, and they're getting #&*#(*$& huge. is there any way to make them stop growing vertically? or at least slow them down? if not i'm going to have to start pruning them at the bottom with a chainsaw, and i don't want to have to do that unless absolutly necessary

--matt

 

Pine trees are terminal bud trees. That is, trimming the tree will stop the growth on the limb or leader permanently. If you cut the main leader, the tree will tend to grow more laterally. I would recommend removing these trees. Pruning pine is a sure way to ruin the tree. Select and plant a tree more appropriate for the space and your intended use.

Hope this helps.

 

Pruning at bottom of pine trees will not slow vertical growth. As indicated, any pruning of top of trees will make trees grow horizontally. Many homeowners plant pine trees too close together, failing to take into consideration size at maturity. Tree rows often have to be thinned to remove certain trees in order to provide growing room for existing trees. If lower branches are interfering with view or air circulation around property, lower limbs can be removed. Trees growing into power lines or other overhead wires are probably best removed, as power companies tend to whack off top of trees without consideration for growth habits.