How to Prune a Golden Chain

Golden chain trees (Laburnum spp.) earn their name from the pendulous chains of yellow flowers that hang from the branches in spring and early summer. This deciduous tree grows well in mild U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 8, although it can tolerate warmer climates if the summer weather is mild. Extreme heat or long freeze periods damage or kill the tree. Reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet, golden chain trees require light annual pruning after they finish flowering each year to maintain their shape and size.


Put on gloves before pruning. Contact with the tree causes skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.


Inspect the tree for crossed branches or those rubbing together. Cut out these branches at their base. Use a pruning saw for branches thicker than 1 inch in diameter and pruners for thinner branches.


Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Cut these back to the trunk or the nearest healthy wood.


Cut back branches developing a poor angle that detracts from the shape of the tree. Remove these when they are still small, when possible. Cut back to the trunk or where they intersect with a large, healthy branch.


Trim off the seed pods after they form. Cut or pull these off at their base.