Tree trimming question

masraum · 03-19-2012, 07:34 PM

This is a purple leaf plum. In the move from FL to TX, the top of the main "trunk" (it was a tiny thing at the time) was broken. Over the last couple of years, it has flourished despite the early break. I'd like to get it to be more of a normal tree shape. I think that if I cut the limb marked that I'll end up with a better shape. I also don't want to kill or greatly weaken the tree. Assuming this cut wouldn't be too traumatic for the tree, when should I do it, now, in the fall?

Thanks

tevake · 08:38 PM

How about taking off the two lower branches on the left. Then train the main trunk more upright? Might take some staking with wires for a while, but would come to look good in time.
I bet Baz would have a plan for you.
Cheers Richard

masraum · 03-19-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tevake

How about taking off the two lower branches on the left. Then train the main trunk more upright? Might take some staking with wires for a while, but would come to look good in time.
I bet Baz would have a plan for you.
Cheers Richard

That sounds great, even better than my plan. I didn't realize that much training could be done.

I'm all ears!

tevake · 03-19-2012, 09:03 PM

I'm not sure how much movement you could get that low in the trunk. But you could remove the lower branches, then strap a stiff steel piece ( like those t sectioned fence posts) flush with the lower section extending a few feet above the bend. Then gradually pulling the upper section toward the post. Then you could double the effect with some cables staked to the ground, gradually pulling the top in the direction you want. Kind of like a large bonsai.

I'm certainly no expert, but pretty sure you could get some movement in the direction you want.

Cheers Richard

Bill Douglas · 03-19-2012, 09:33 PM

I like it how it is

aigel · aigel's Garage

Cut here:

Zeke · 03-20-2012, 06:31 AM

That's only one angle and it looks a bit odd. It's a tree, they do that.

I'd remove only one of the center branches, but w/o being able to walk around the tree....

Groesbeck Hurricane · 03-20-2012, 07:31 AM

I'm probably off base here but aren't those trees (plums in general) known for not having straight sections?

I'd think if you cut the main branch of the tree you would kill it or weaken it.

Hopefully BAZ chimes in!

Head416 · Head416's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

I like it how it is

Me too. I think it's a pretty cool-lookin tree!

nesslar · 03-20-2012, 05:29 PM

+1; nothing wrong with that tree as is....

masraum · 03-20-2012, 07:27 PM

I'd leave it the way it is, but it's going to crowd some other trees requiring some trimming eventually. If I can do some trimming now and mitigate trimming later....

futuresoptions · 03-20-2012, 07:29 PM

I would cut the top two and and the bottom one, and then give it a few years to fill out, have done such a thing on Mesquites and ash trees with good results.

masraum · 03-20-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futuresoptions

I would cut the top two and and the bottom one, and then give it a few years to fill out, have done such a thing on Mesquites and ash trees with good results.

This?

masraum · 04-14-2012, 11:19 AM

Bump...

CHICKS · 04-14-2012, 06:18 PM

Just leave it, it is what it is.

EarlyPorsche · 04-14-2012, 06:38 PM

You can cut the two left branches and then train it upward. Training is easy and slow. You will need to have something nearby to safely tie the tree to and slowly pull it upward (dont want to just put a line up and have it catch someone running/walking/riding by though). If you can't tie it to anything like I do, then a rope and a good strong set of 2x4 stakes will help. You will slowly tighten the rope every month.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Sorry I didn't see this before now.......I would leave it alone. Any of the branches cut off would make it look "butchered", in my opinion. Like Zeke said - without seeing it from all sides, it's hard to give a proper opinion - but based on that one photo - yeah - leave her alone.

FWIW - the 2 most misunderstood and most often neglected areas of landscape maintenance are 1) pruning and 2) fertilization.

I see a lot of butchered trees and shrubs. Some of this because the wrong plant or tree was used in a particular location. It's a common mistake. I've made the mistake myself. Hibiscus is a good example. They actually get quite huge. But they are so pretty the temptation is to use them near the house - especially near a walk or drive (or patio). next thing you know you have to prune them back. Then you prune off blooms - which are what you want them for in the first place. Big taboo there....so best thing is to plant them out away from everything so they can grow out and be full of blooms.

If you wanted to dress things up there you could always create a small (3' diameter) bed around the tree for annuals.

HTH Steve.

Crowbob · 04-15-2012, 04:10 AM

Post #13 for the long-term. It will straighten over time but the top will grow very fast. It may take a few years to look good but you will end up with a single trunk. You can take 1/2 a tree off and not do any damage.

Doing this is dramatic and should probably be done in very early spring well before the tree buds out. I am not familiar with the climate in Houston though, living in frozen tundra 8 months out of a year.

Baz · Baz's Garage

In looking at examples of this species your overall shape is consistent with what is considered a normal growth habit. Thus my opinion to leave it alone.

If anything - continue to encourage it to flourish as the larger it becomes the better it will look. Especially with a full head.