9 Trees with Fern Like Leaves | Stunning Long Leaf Trees

Blue Jacaranda

(Jacaranda mimosifolia)

A tree of many names, the Jacaranda is also known as the black poui, blue jacaranda, or fern tree it is referred to in scientific circles as Jacaranda mimosifolia.

This species is noted for its fern-like leaves which can grow up to 20 inches long; it is also known for its beautiful purple-blue blossoms. 

Native to Argentina and Bolivia, it has since spread to Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America where it thrives in places blessed with copious amounts of sunshine which it loves.

However, it has staged something of an environmental takeover in certain areas and is considered an invasive species as a result.

Tree Size: Jacarandas grow pretty fast and can reach a height of 10 feet during their first 12 months of life. 

They are also known for their impressive height and can grow up to 50 feet when fully mature with a spread of 40 – 60 feet. As a result, they will require a fair amount of space if you are considering planting them.

The species is also long-lived and trees may have a lifespan ranging between 50 – 75 years.

Planting Zones: Jacarandas can grow in zones 10 – 11 where winter temperatures range between 30 – 40 °F (-1.1 – 4.4 °C) and 40 – 50 °F (4.4 – 10 °C). These regions comprise some of the warmest growing zones in the United States. 

Known for a long growing season that can last virtually all year long, they typically enjoy warm summers and mild winters and are ideal for several tropical plants including citrus, papayas, and pineapples.

Position: Jacarandas love loads of sunshine although they can tolerate moderate amounts of shade. However, because they tend to throw out surface roots, you will need to avoid planting them close to your driveway, pipes, sheds, etc.

They also tend to shed their leaves a great deal, hence you should avoid planting them close to a swimming pool, or any other spot where all those leaves could turn out to be a source of inconvenience.

Soil Type: This specimen thrives in sandy well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 – 7.5. They will also do well in loamy soil and may even tolerate clay as well. Avoid planting in waterlogged soil which will place them at risk of root rot.

Tree Appeal

Jacarandas’ claim to fame is the regular beauty of their leaves which grow out on short stalks from a long central stalk, and their abundance which results in beautiful foliage and shade.

There are also their fragrant flowers in delicate lavender. However, it is worth noting that they do take a while to show up — about 8 years — and will only do so for outdoor trees.

Tree Care

Planting: Choose a spacious area exposed to a great deal of sunlight (your jacaranda will need 6 – 8 hours of sunlight per day).

Next, make a hole that is three times as deep as the root ball and thrice as wide. Place the root ball in, replace the soil, and cover with mulch to keep the roots warm and comfy. Water copiously.

Fertilization: Although jacaranda trees do not require a great deal of fertilizer, feeding them once a year can help keep them robust and healthy. Doing so around May and June can be especially beneficial in providing them with an extra dose of nutrition to help with flowering. 

Apply fertilizer around its dripline using a balanced feed, i.e., one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will work best.

Care should be taken to avoid providing your tree with excessive quantities of nitrogen as doing so may prevent it from flowering.

Pruning: While your jacaranda is growing, you will have to prune any leaders, i.e., vertical growth. The sturdiest of them all should be left which will become the trunk.

You will have to continue to look out for those vertical intruders until the tree’s twentieth year.

You will also need to trim any branches sprouting from the trunk below a suitable height so that only those which will form its canopy are permitted to grow fully.

Broken and diseased branches will also have to be removed to prevent them from causing stress to your jacaranda.

Royal Poinciana

The second fern-like tree in this collection is also known as the flame tree or phoenix flower — or as Delonix regia, botanically speaking.

It is noted for its bright green foliage made of exactly the same number of leaflets arranged opposite each other on short stalks along a central tapering stalk.

Its flame-like flowers which can cover it entirely also lend it an allure that’s almost magical during summer.

The royal poinciana also produces long pods with a hard brown case that produce seeds from which it can be planted.

Tree Summary

Tree Size: Royal poincianas are capable of growing five feet yearly until they reach their maximum height of 40 feet. They also eventually attain a spread of 40 – 60 feet.

When planted in areas with sufficient sunlight, they also produce flowers by their fifth year (although they may take as long as 10 years to blossom in some cases).

Planting Zones: Royal poincianas thrive in zones 10 – 12 where minimum temperatures fall between 30 – 40 °F (-1.1 – 4.4 °C) and 50 – 60 °F(10 – 15.6 °C).

Here the constant presence of sunshine and the absence of frost make it easy for tropical plants to thrive in a way they wouldn’t elsewhere.

Position: Because flame trees tend to produce an extensive network of surface roots, you should consider planting them in an open space. 

Doing so will prevent them from constituting a safety hazard along paths, gateways, and driveways while enabling you to enjoy their beauty.

Soil Type: Because this species happens to be a legume, it exhibits the same preference for acidic soils as the rest of its large family. However, it is also capable of growing in alkaline soils as well. 

Royal poincianas will do best in soils that have pH values that fall between 4.9 – 10.6. They are capable of doing well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained.

Tree Appeal

In the middle of spring, in the month of May, royal poincianas bloom with vivid red flowers which cover their entire canopy making them hard to miss. 

They will continue to lend their striking beauty to their surroundings for two or three months, during which new flowers will blossom to replace the old, adding to the beauty of summer.

Tree Care

Planting: The ideal spot for your poinciana should be one that is spacious and far from any obstructive structures including garden sheds, kennels, or garages.

The designated space should also be weeded of any possible competitors or divested of any structures such as roofing or canopies which will block out sunlight possibly preventing the tree from blooming once it is older.

Fertilization: About a month after planting, you will need to provide your poinciana with fertilizer, and continue a schedule of fertilizing in fall and spring. 

Once it reaches its third year, a light application of nutrients will suffice.

Pruning: To obtain a smooth trunk topped by a green canopy that turns a brilliant vermillion in spring and summer, you will have to remove branches that sprout 8 – 12 feet above ground level. 

Mimosa

Mimosas present a perfect solution for you if you live in a cooler hardiness zone yet intend to imbue your surroundings with an arboreal fern-like appeal. 

Native to Asia, these trees which are also legumes like royal poincianas, are also known as Persian silk or pink silk trees. (The species’ botanical name is Albizia julibrissin.)

Mimosas are relatively small trees that can provide cool shade and alluring flowers which each reassemble a cluster of silk threads bursting outwards.

However, their tendency to spread aggressively means that they are also considered to be an invasive species.

Tree Summary

Tree Size:  Mimosas are capable of reaching 20 – 40 feet in height and 10 – 20 feet in width. They are also fast-growing and generally grow at a rate of 2 feet annually (although heights of 5 feet can also be attained).

Unlike jacarandas and royal poincianas which can live for 50 years or even longer, their lifespans tend to range between 10 – 20 years.

Planting Zones: Mimosas can be grown in zones 6 – 9. Here winter temperatures fall between -10 – 0° F (-23.3 – 17.8° C) and 20 – 30° F (-6.7 – -1.1° C).

This region is noted for its mild summers and cold winters and is suitable for cultivating cool-weather crops such as apples, pears, blueberries, and apricots.

Position: In spite of their ability to tolerate short periods of frost, mimosas require full sunlight.

However, if you happen to live in rather dry areas such as the southwest, you may provide them with some shade to encourage them to conserve moisture.

Because they are capable of developing two taproots (or even three) you will need to avoid planting them close to any obstructive structures since they can cause damage to them.

Soil Type: Mimosas are capable of growing in loamy or sandy soils.  Although they generally prefer well-drained soils, they can also tolerate slightly damp surroundings as well. They also favor acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 – 6.

Tree Appeal

Every summer between May and July, pink flowers with pale bases appear among all those green bipinnate (feathery leaflet-bearing) leaves.

Each resembling a sunburst of silken threads attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. 

Due to mimosas’ ability to fix nitrogen obtained from the atmosphere, they do not require a great deal of feeding and are able to get by on their own.

Tree Care

Planting: Because they can sprout more than one taproot, you will have to select a spacious area. Mimosas generally require about 6 hours of sunlight daily but may be able to handle less. 

The depth of the depression created during planting should be twice the size of the plant’s root ball. A small quantity of compost should be added to it. 

Any roots which extend from the ball should be removed before placing it into the depression.

Fertilization: About a month after planting, you will need to provide your mimosa with fertilizer. You will also need to nourish it in fall and spring. Once it reaches its third year, a light application of nutrients will suffice.

The best time for you to fertilize your mimosa is spring. Opt for compost or a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and water when dry.

Pruning: Mimosas’ lengthy downward-sloping branches mean you may have to keep a sharp lookout for any broken branches which will need to be pruned at once.

Avoid pruning while your Mimosa is blooming and immediately before. The best time to prune is late winter to early spring (February – March).

Japanese Fern Tree

(Filicium Decipiens)

The Japanese Fern Tree is abundant with a year-long appeal that will provide interest and depth of field to even the smallest of garden spaces.

This slow-growing evergreen is compact by nature and features beautifully large fern-like leaves. Its bushy, low-branching growth makes it a good candidate for adding shade and privacy to your garden.

Also known as Thika palm and originating from areas of Southern India and Sri Lanka, these relatively small trees rarely fruit outside of their native regions. And, whilst they do flower in late spring, these are small and non-showy.  It’s their spectacular fronds that are the star attraction here.

Tree Summary

Tree Size:  The Japanese Fern Tree (Filicium Decipiens) can reach 65 feet in its native home but will only grow between 15 to 60 feet elsewhere. The annual growth rate is around 1 foot per year when planted in the right location.

Planting Zones: Thika Palm prefers tropical to humid sub-tropical climates. Zones 10 to 11 are ideal. Avoid planting in locations with temperatures that fall below 55 ° F since they will not tolerate the drop in humidity.

Position: Japanese Fern Trees require 8 hours of direct sunlight daily although will tolerate partial shade in extremely hot and humid climates.

Soil Type: Grown best in clay to loamy, alkaline soil with a pH range of between 5.0 to 8.0. Ensure that soil is well-draining and avoid highly arid soil conditions.

Tree Appeal

In late spring, clusters of tiny white and pink flowers will bloom. You’ll need to look out for these closely, however, as they tend to be barely visible beneath the splendor of foliage.

The main appeal of the Japanese Fern Tree lies in the elegance and beauty of the leaf structure and the sheer abundance of foliage. Leaflets are arranged in pairs along each length, leaves are glossy and vibrant and never in short supply.   

Compact enough to plant as a backdrop to a border, elegant enough to enhance curb appeal at the entrance of your home, and practical enough to position as an area that will provide shade next to a seated area, a Japanese Fern Tree has a wide range of planting applications.

Tree Care

Planting: Plant at least 8 to 10 feet away from external walls, paths, and driveways to allow for the tree’s crown to grow to its maximum potential and avoid obstruction.

Dig a hole at least twice the size of the plant’s root ball. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the planting hole. Water well after planting.

Fertilization: Japanese Fern Trees require fertilizing with a good quality slow-release fertilizer at least 3 times per year; in spring, summer, and autumn.

In addition, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree during the winter to help retain water and maintain soil temperature.

Pruning: The slow-growing nature of the Japanese Fern Tree means that it’s unlikely it will need pruning. The canopy will provide an even amount of growth that will gradually transform into a bulbous crown which is ideal for providing shade in the height of summer.

Dicksonia Antarctica

Evergreen in warmer climates and deciduous elsewhere, Dicksonia Antarctica is sure to bring the wow factor to your landscape. Its interest lies with the roughly textured and sizable trunk-shaped rhizome from which a fountain of fronds grows and that can reach up to 10 feet long each. Even though this is non-flowering, its impressive stature will really turn heads in your outdoor space.

This is a fern with a moderate growth rate and would be well placed as an ornamental showpiece in a dapple-shaded border or, as a feature plant in a patio pot or container. Just make sure you locate it somewhere sheltered to protect it from the elements.

Referred to more commonly as Soft tree fern and Tasmanian tree fern, this beauty is native to moist, sheltered, and shaded regions of forested and mountainous regions of Tasmania and Eastern Australia.

This fern requires consistent watering especially in hot weather to prevent drying out. Water the top of the rhizome rather than at the base of the fern but avoid splashing water on the fronds.

Tree Summary

Tree Size:  Soft Tree Fern will grow to up to 30 feet when planted natively or in an optimal location and up to 13 feet in cooler climates. It grows at a steady rate with the trunk diameter topping out at 28” at maturity which can take up to 50 years.

Planting Zones: Tasmanian Tree Fern will be hardy in zones 9 to 10 but can also tolerate lower temperatures and mild frosts as long as winter protection is provided.

Position: Tolerant of partial and even full shade, the most important factor when choosing a location for Dicksonia Antarctica is a sheltered spot that will avoid causing damage to the erect rhizome and fronds.

Soil Type: Grown best in nutrient-dense, humus soil that is well draining and moist but not soggy. Ideal soil pH is in the acid to neutral range. Avoid dry soil conditions that prevent roots from absorbing regular moisture.

Tree Appeal

The main appeal of this fern is the hairy texture, size, and erect nature of the rhizome from which a large canopy of fronds that are rough to the touch grows.

This impressive display continues year-round when grown in native regions. However, in locations with lower temperatures, this fern is deciduous and will lose its fronds.

Over time and when allowed to mature, Dicksonia Antarctica will provide an ornamental focal point, whether planted as part of a tropical planting scheme in a bed or border or if grown as a container plant to add impactful interest to a patio or terrace.

Tree Care

Planting:

Plant at least 8 to 10 feet away from external walls and fences to allow for maximum frond growth. Ensure it is sheltered by the canopy of larger trees so it can benefit from dappled shade throughout the summer months.

This fern deserves a prime location so its full beauty can be seen, perhaps in a spot that is surrounded by other low-growing ferns and tropicals. 

Dig a hole just a bit larger than the shallow root ball of this fern. Add organic matter and ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich. Water well after planting.

Reduce watering frequency considerably during the winter months.

Fertilization:

Apply a good quality slow-release fertilizer at least 3 times per year; in spring, summer, and Autumn. Mulch around the base of the rhizome in winter to help with moisture retention and soil temperature.

Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree during the winter to help retain water and maintain soil temperature.

Pruning: Prune back older fronds that begin to brown at the edges to make way for new growth. 

Fern-Leave Wattle Tree

(Acacia filicifolia)

This tree with fern-like leaves is sure to add drama and year-round interest to your garden especially if you live in a coastal region or your landscape features a slope or bank.

In botanical terms, this tree is referred to as Acacia Filicifolia and is native to coastal regions of Eastern Australia. Other than its highly attractive evergreen fern-like fronds, it produces beautifully delicate and slightly fragrant yellow flowers in a spectacular display from autumn right through to spring.

Tree Summary

Tree Size: In its natural habit this evergreen will grow up to 50 feet in height, with a spread of 19 feet. Elsewhere and with the right growing conditions, it will develop as a large shrub or tree with a more modest height of between 10 to 15 feet.

This is a fast grower, reaching maturity quickly however, its lifespan is as short as just 25 years.  

Planting Zones: Fern Leaf Wattle grows best in zones 9 to 11. Whilst it can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, it will require protection against even the mildest frosts.  

Position: Ideally suited to a full sun location, especially a Mediterranean-style garden.

Soil Type: Requires neutral to acid soil pH where moisture levels can be maintained without becoming soggy.

Tree Appeal

Acacia Filicifolia is sure to provide interest to your landscape throughout the year thanks to its broad-reaching and weeping canopy of branches that are adorned in delicate feathery fronds. And with age, bark fissures will form, adding even more interest and appeal. 

As the rest of the garden becomes seemingly baron as Fall approaches, this evergreen comes into its own by producing a spectacular display of yellow, cloud-like flowers from late autumn, right through to the spring.   

Tree Care

Water regularly for the first year after planting to ensure root systems get established. Water monthly in summer during dry periods or drought but avoid watering in winter.

Planting: Dig your planting hole at least 2-3 inches wider than the root ball. Add slow-release fertilizer granules or organic matter before positioning.

Plant at least 7 feet away from external walls and outbuildings to ensure even growth of the weeping canopy. Water well after planting.

This fern will tolerate a slope or bank in full sun and needs little protection from the wind thanks to its natural coastal region origins.

Fertilization: Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring, summer, and autumn and mulch generously around the base of the tree during the winter to maintain soil temperature and provide protection against frost.

Pruning: Prune once flowering has finished and only to maintain its canopy shape.

The Honey Locust Tree

(Gleditsia Triacanthos)

For sunny, south-facing yards and gardens that could use a gentle canopy of shade, look no further than this low-maintenance and fast-growing deciduous tree. Gleditsia Triacanthos will add plenty of year-long imposing character to your landscape and is likely to attract plenty of wildlife too.

Elegant oval-shaped pinnate leaves offer dappled shade, transitioning from lush green to yellow in fall. In spring, clusters of fragranced cream blooms appear to form the base of the leaflets that later develop into seed pods as the summer progresses.

Most native American species are considered invasive since their seeds are edible and favored by wildlife. In addition, these varieties grow fiercely spiny branches, bearing spines up to 6” long from the base of the trunk upwards, giving this tree the nickname of Thorny Locust.

Today, new, thornless (and often pod less) varieties of Gleditsia Triacanthos – such as ‘Shademaster’ Honey Locust – have become increasingly popular, especially for homeowners wanting to reduce the fall clean-up.

Tree Summary

Tree Size:

Reaching heights of between 70 to 100 ft when fully mature, and with a spread of up to 49ft, a fully mature Honey Locust is truly impressive in stature. These can take between 20 to 50 years to mature.

Position:

In zones 4-8 and with no preference for shelter, this tree needs 6-8 hours of full sun daily for maximum potential growth but can tolerate just a little shade. It’s also highly tolerant of environmental pollution.

Soil Type:

Highly adaptable to a range of soil conditions including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay, with a soil pH ranging from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.

Thrives best in rich, moist, well-draining soil. However, once established, can grow even in nutrient-lacking, poor soil and can tolerate drought.

Tree Appeal

Lending itself to the quintessential rounded shape of a tree canopy, even before maturity, this tree offers dappled shade aplenty when the sun is high in the sky.

It’s difficult not to imagine yourself laying beneath, listening to the sound of the wind rippling through the elegant foliage, as you enjoy the textures and colors of the leaves. Whether that be the dark greens of spring or the golden hue of autumn.

Newer cultivars such as ‘Shademaster’ are known for their resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to weather extremes. They are also devoid of the deep red and potentially hazardous spines that are synonymous with native varieties.

Likewise, some cultivars are grown without pods and thus seeds. These are the varieties to choose if you want to avoid either new saplings popping up on your landscape or when you’re not looking for extra work to do in Autumn.

That said, varieties that do bear fruit offer quite the display. The seeded pods – which can grow up to 7” – transition in color from green to reddish brown when perfectly ripe. The fleshy, honey-tasting pulp taken from the legumes within the bean pods can be enjoyed as a sweet treat both eaten raw or cooked.

Tree Care

Planting: With a spread of up to 49ft when fully mature, be sure to plant in a wide-open space, suitably distanced away from property borders, structures, and foundations.

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, backfill the hole after planting, then water in well. Keep soil moist for the first 2-3 years after planting. Avoid fertilizing at the time of planting.

Fertilization: Mulch under the canopy but avoid the trunk area. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer in the fall.

Pruning: Remove diseased, damaged branches. Light pruning may be necessary to maintain the canopy shape.

Hummingbird Tree

(Sesbania Grandiflora)

Whether you live in a hot humid climate where this tropical fern-like-leaved stunner can grow to its full potential or, you live in less sunny climes where it can be grown as a smaller, more manageable potted variety, the Red Hummingbird Tree is sure to be a firm favorite in your tree collection.

This is a deciduous ornamental and when given the right conditions, its pinnate oval-shaped leaves will offer a loose, willowy canopy of dappled shade.

Impressively, and regardless of the climate in which this is grown, this is a prolific bloomer of delightfully vivid red flowers that give the appearance of clusters of hummingbirds.  

Tree Summary

Tree Size: A fast grower that can reach heights of 40 feet once mature if planted in hot and humid conditions. When planted in containers and in cooler climates, optimum growth will be significantly less and can be managed further through regular pruning.

Planting Zones: For maximum growth as a patio tree, this species is best suited to zones 4-11 and then brought indoors in cooler temperatures of below 50F. It can be grown successfully outdoors in zones 9-11 where temperatures are consistently hot and humid.

Position: Requires 6-8 hours of full sun per day and a sheltered spot away from strong winds.

Soil Type: Grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of between 5.5 to 8.5. Once established, it will tolerate most soil conditions including clay, loamy, and sand.

Tree Appeal

This willowy tropical with its elegant fern-like leaves simply has it all, from culinary and medicinal purposes to stunning beauty and interest. It even has practical uses for your landscape too.

Firstly, it’s known as the Vegetable Hummingbird Tree. That’s because the flowers and leaves are all edible. In Asia for example, the edible parts are brewed and used for medicinal tea. More often, they are enjoyed raw in salads or can be added to cooked dishes for interest and added nutrients.

If you prefer to leave your tropical stunner and all its component parts in situ, then why not sit back and simply spend some time observing the flowers that look like hovering hummingbirds? Not only do these blooms look incredible, but they will also attract birds and pollinators to your garden and can differ in color from one tree to the next, from striking red to pink and even white.

The gentle droopy branches of a Hummingbird Tree will also provide some protection from the sun where you may choose to sit beneath and ponder or alternatively, plant some low-growing plants that can tolerate a little shade.

Tree Care

Planting: When growing outdoors dig a hole twice the height and depth of the root ball, position your tree, and backfill it with fertile soil. Water well then mulch around the base of the trunk.

For container-grown Hummingbird Trees, select a container with good-sized drainage holes that is 2-3 inches larger than the root ball.

Fertilization: Fertilize with a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring.

Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain the canopy shape once flowering has finished. Remove damaged or diseased branches as necessary.

Fern Pine Columnar Tree

(Podocarpus gracilior)

Although its botanical name is Podocarpus gracilior, this moderate-growing evergreen goes by many other names including common Yellowwood, Bastard Yellowwood, Outeniqua Yellowwood, and African Fern Pine.

The fern-like leaves of this tree grow up to 4” in length and are glossy with a blue-green hue. This has become a popular choice as a hedge or privacy screen thanks to its cylindrical shape and bushy growth. It is also perfect for adding height and interest when planted in a container and grown as a patio plant.

Native to some east African nations, this drought-tolerant showy evergreen has gained popularity across the globe, thanks to its resistance to pests and diseases and deer. It is also often grown in containers where it can be moved indoors when temperatures drop in cooler regions.

Tree Summary

Tree Size: When grown in optimal conditions Fern Pine Columnar trees grow at a moderate rate of between 15 to 30” per year, reaching impressive heights of up to 60’ with a 20’ spread when fully mature and lasting for up to 150 years. Of course, when planted in containers and pots, their growth rate will be significantly reduced.

Planting Zones: When grown outdoors Fern Pine Columnar prefers warm summers and mild winters and grows best in zones 9 – 11 where winter temperatures are unlikely to fall below zero.

Position: These trees need 6-8 hours of sunshine each day, preferring a spot with full sun with little to no shade. 

Soil Type: Prefers nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acid to neutral pH range. Once established will tolerate clay, loamy or sandy soil types.  

Tree Appeal

When year-round shade and symmetrical privacy are your goals, along with a tropical feel for your landscape, then Fern Pine Columnar offers the perfect solution.

Whilst the leaves are elegant and slender, they are also plentiful, and with a moderate growth rate, a dense hedge with a tropical feel can be established quickly.

Tree Care

Planting: Decide on a suitable location that ensures a 5 to 10’ gap between walls and fences and other trees (when planting a hedge row). Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 3 times wider. Mix in fresh compost, manure, or slow-release fertilizer to enrich and loosen the soil.

Backfill the planting hole with a mix of the original soil, plus compost or manure, and tap gently to remove air pockets. Water well and mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk. Continue to water regularly until roots are fully established.

Fertilization: Feed annually with a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring. A fertilizer with an NPK of 10-10-10 is ideal.

Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain shape. Remove damaged or diseased branches when required.