Q. We have a Small Leaf Linden tree at our curbside. It is quite large. 10 years ago, when it was pruned, the leader was cut. Since then, it has grown into a very huge, very full mushroom shape. 3 years ago, we had it pruned by an expert. Wonderful job. However, all summer long, small dead branches kept falling off into our driveway. It is overgrown again and must be pruned again. Hubby wants it pruned and cut way back on the sides and top to make it smaller. Please advise us for the best time of the year to have it pruned. Thank you. G. Davis – Philadelphia, PA
A. With the loss of the leader you now have a large shrub on a trunk. I am not sure if the person you had prune the tree mentioned about trying to retrain another branch to become a leader and give the tree back its pyramidal shape. This is not essential in this case since the Little Leaf Linden (Tila cordata) can be pruned like a hedge. Lindens have a tendency to bleed sap if pruned around its growth spurt in spring so avoid late winter through spring for pruning.