For aesthetic reasons, you will want to remove any branches that will clutter and cloud the tree’s artistic line. [6] X Expert Source Melinda MeservyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. These would include branches that cross each other, those that grow at very sharp angles, and those that grow across the trunk and interrupt its continuous line. For structural reasons, you want to leave branches intact that will increase growth in weak areas. For example, leave branches in place on thinner areas of the trunk to help thicken it. If the trunk leans heavily in one direction, remove branches in that direction while preserving those in the opposite direction.
