The invention discloses a method for pruning short-branch chestnut trees with small crowns, and relates to the technical field of shaping and pruning methods for economic forests. The method includesthe following steps that S1 branches are fixed, specifically, when planted seedlings grow to more than 60 cm, pinching or cutting of fixed branches are carried out at 50-60 centimeters; S2, first mainbranches are selected; S3, other main branches are selected; S4, side branches and branch groups are cultivated, specifically, while the main branches of all levels are selected and reserved, the first to third side branches are selected and reserved on the outside of the main branches following the requirements of alternately scattering, and repeat truncation or pulling of branches are carried out on the upright strong branches that affect the growth of the main branches and the side branches to cultivate into fruiting branch groups; and S5, spreading from core is formed, specifically, after3 or 4 main branches are selected, central branches are cut to keep each main branch growing evenly outwards in a core-spreading mode, and without the central main branches, a short-branch and smallcrown tree shape is formed. Beginning in a fourth year, the trees are retracted and renewed every year, and the crowns are controlled. The problems of excessive growth of chestnut, strong outside andweak inside, empty interior, external fruiting, low yield, poor quality, and low efficiency are effectively solved.