Trees should be trimmed in their first ten years, and a newly planted tree should only be trimmed if it has broken, diseased, or dead branches. Proper pruning encourages strong growth, increases flower and fruit production, improves plant health, and removes damaged limbs, all which give aesthetic appeal to a tree. Pruning at the right time and in the right way is critical, since it is possible to kill a healthy tree through neglect or over-pruning.