Christmas trees

[Elijah Gunn]

On my property are some spruce trees that were planted by the previous owner. The trees are in the 7-8ft. range, and I cut one down to use as our christmas tree this year. The only problem was that I had to cut it a little shorter than I wanted to because the lower branches made a diameter of at least 6ft. around the base of the tree. Too big around! I didnt want to trim the ends of the branches because they would probably leak sap on the carpet.(correct?)I would like to use some of the other trees in the years to come. My question is, can I trim / prune the ends of the branches this spring or summer to make them more symetrical and have a smaller base diameter without it killing the trees?
Many thanks, Mark
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

[Graybeard]

Yes. You can take limbs off completely or prune them to a more narrow profile. Do it now no need to wait and for sure don't wait until spring warm up.

[Elijah Gunn]

Thank you very much Graybeard! I will get some good pruning shears, and get those trees ready for the next several Christmas's.
YMHS, Mark

[jvs]

Bill is correct.  Some of the best shaped Christmas Trees have been pruned and shaped in the years prior to cutting.  They fill in nicely when pruned correctly.  Personally, I don't care if I have 'holes' in the tree, it gives me a place to hang some ornaments and candy canes.

The only thing you got to be aware of is to never prune the top.  If you take the top-center off, you will end up with multiple tree-tops...  Not good for a Christmas tree, IMO.

You can always build a bigger house for the bigger trees too.