pruning should begin in the second or third year and should be performed throughout the growing season as new branches emerge. Unnecessary lateralbranches should be removed; the branches of the crown, however, should not becut during the year of their emergence, as they will form the sympodial extensionof the trunk. Only the first 7-8 meters of the stem need to be kept clear ofbranches; after this the canopy can be allowed to assume its natural shape.Always use a sharp, clean blade when pruning or coppicing and cover any largewounds with cloth to prevent infestation by fungi