At what age should scaffold limbs on large-maturing shade trees be chosen?

Choosing scaffold limbs on large-maturing shade trees is best accomplished within the first 10 to 12 years of the tree's life. During this developmental period, trees are still in their formative years, which allows for better selection of strong, well-placed limbs that will serve as the foundational framework for the tree’s growth. Proper selection at this stage can help promote a well-structured canopy, enhancing the tree’s overall health and longevity.

Selecting scaffold limbs later, beyond this timeframe, can become more challenging as the tree matures. By the time a tree is older than 12 years, it might have already established a growth habit that could make it difficult to reposition limbs without causing damage. Additionally, the risk of structural issues and competing limbs increases as the canopy develops, making it crucial to make decisions about scaffold limb selection while the tree is still flexible in its growth patterns.