What Should I Do With My Jacaranda Tree Which Has Been Badly Pruned.

Question

My Jacaranda tree has been badly pruned, there are many thin vertical branches. Most information we found says, don’t trim too much. But then what shall we do with our tree which looks awful, and which seems to need intervention.

• 

Answer 1

This might be a little tricky! In this case, structural pruning is key to preventing long-term issues. Normally, you'd aim for a single central leader and upright growth—especially important for fast-growing species prone to splitting or collapse as they mature. Since these are already large, it's best to approach this slowly and deliberately. Prune in winter only, never removing more than a third of the tree at once. This year, cut off the horizontal branches that shoot out sideways, as those are likely to become hazards later. You can also thin out a few vertical branches to reduce overcrowding. Over time, continue shaping the tree gradually, prioritizing stability and manageability. Even with multiple trunks, the goal is to minimize competition and guide the structure into something safer and more sustainable.

Here is an article that will offer some more information on the care of the tree:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/jacaranda/jacaranda-tree-information.htm