This serviceberry tree has been in the ground approximately 10 years. As you can see from the picture, the middle of the tree is much shorter than the outer branches. Can I prune the outer branches in order to give this a better shape? Thank you.

Hi Patti - Sorry I just ran in to this post. As you are likely aware, Serviceberry can have multiple trunks popping up as sports off or near a main trunk. They also have a rather frenetic growth habit. Helter-skelter.

Short answer to your question is Yes. But I would not do it all at once. Instead, try to spread it out over a period of time. A bit now, a bit more next Spring, some more Fall of '16 etc. By 18 months or so, you should have it shaped the way you want. Then do regular pruning to maintains shape. On a regular basis (annual is recommended for Serviceberry), pruning should be done in late winter/early spring.

While Serviceberry is a rather strong tree/shrub, like most things it has its limits WRT heavy pruning.

I have to say, that is a rather odd growth form there. Heh

I would start by cutting back the tops of those two Ys in the pic above. You will likely trash a lot of blooms as it blooms very early on old wood.

David, thank you for your answer. Isn't that shape odd? I guess there's no time like the present to start pruning a bit. I'm glad you reminded me pruning will impact the flowering.

Yes - quite odd. It appears that the plant threw some new trunks and then those trunks took on most of the growth.

I am not suggesting you do so, but some people cut off extra trunks and maintain just one. I would not do that to this plant.

3 trunks here. Thought It was like a birch tree with the multiple trunks. Should have known better. Just wanted a serviceberry and didn't really research them. I have been pruning all the suckers off. It shouldn't really get too much taller.

It is nice for things that need pollen as it is one of the first things to bloom. Cute. Mine blooms in March or April or so.