Question
I planted a spruce tree about 20 years ago.  Now it is too big, about 28 feet tall and with a 10-12 feet diameter five feet above the ground...approaching utility wires at the top, handing over the driveway by 12 inches, almost handing over the sidewalk.

How and when should I prune/trim the tree?  I would like to make it five feet shorter; but more importantly, I would like to decreas the diameter (on two of the our sides, all the way around would be okay) by about 2-3 feet.  

The tree is healthy, and always has been.  The tree gets quite a bit (but not total) sun.  

Please let me know.

Joe (in southwest Ohio, small town)   [email protected]
   513-529-4239

Answer
When planted where they have room to grow, spruces need little pruning because of their natural symmetry. Spruces will, however, respond well to light pruning by developing a denser crown. If an older spruce has outgrown its bounds, removing the lower branches can open up the canopy and make the tree appear less imposing. Never remove more than one-third of the total needle area. Do not remove the top of the tree.

If some shaping is desired, prune new growth in early June. Most spruce buds form on the current year's growth with only a few buds on the second year twigs. Leave at least one live bud on each pruned branch or the branch will die. If two leading shoots develop on the tree top, remove the weaker one to maintain a structurally sound tree. Remove broken or dead branches regardless of the time of year by cutting them off flush with the main tree stem