pine pruning

Atmore, AL(Zone 8b)

Is there a way to reduce height growth in pine trees such as longleaf or loblolly? I have seen some trees that have been pruned and they are only about 50-60ft tall with a rounded crown, versus 100ft tall and slender. I love longleaf pines, but tall pine trees here are sometimes a safety hazard and I just wonder if there is a way to control their height without making them look deformed.

Illinois, IL(Zone 5b)

I suppose for young trees you could try what Christmas tree growers do -- shear off 40% of the new tip growth each spring just before the needles expand. That works well with Scots pine and Virginia pine, is more tricky (timing-wise) with white pine and red pine, and I've never tried it on longleaf or loblolly.

Guy S.

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