Pruning pines prudently

Got the itch to work a little more tonight. I tackled the pruning on 2 of small pines up front. This time I got pictures of before and after. The first is an un-pruned tree and the second is a smaller tree that has already gotten its haircut.

I really like the sculptural element of the trunk with the foliage in a sort of "ball and stick" along it. The pruning seems dramatic now, but in a few weeks they will settle back into a less stark look. These pruning seem to last at least a year before I have to re-do them.

It feels quite artistic to look at each limb, note which was it is twisting and which way I want it go go next. It is almost like painting for me. I tend to get lost in it until my pruning hand or back starts to hurt.

I have about 6 more to do in the front garden, but some of those are less overgrown. I guess they receive less light and grow more slowly.

It feels good to get back in the garden. I am finding my old sense of enjoyment in cleaning up after Winter and looking forward to the Summer on its way.