Like staking, pruning is an “as needed” procedure, although the need in the first year is not great. In fact, because young trees need every leaf that they can get their chloroplasts and vascular bundles on, pruning should be avoided in most cases. If branches are removed at planting time or shortly after, the tree is being deprived of critical carbohydrate and sugar making ability. Branches that are oddly oriented should be left for removal in year 2 of the planting. Be sure to document this need for your maintenance planning purposes and then return to the tree the next year to remove them.
Some trees are badly misshapen and must be pruned minimally after planting. Defects such as co-dominant leaders, badly rubbing branches and broken branches fit this category. These problems are severe enough that taking the opportunity to “fix it” right away is justified.