How NOT to prune a Tree 1: Remember Your Roots

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
pollengarden Pueblo, CO(Zone 5b) Feb 28, 2010

The bud out at the tip of the branch is called the Terminal Bud - the obvious onion shapes on this Viburnum. This bud releases a hormone that suppressed the growth of lateral buds and branches behind it. This can affect several inches to several feet behind the bud, depending on the type of plant. This bud is cut off to promote side branching

HOWEVER, the same hormone that tell the branches NOT to grow ALSO tell the ROOTS to grow.

DO NOT CUT OFF BRANCH TIPS ON RECENTLY PLANTED TREES that haven't established their root system.

Thumbnail by pollengarden
Post #7594624
Quote
pollengarden Pueblo, CO(Zone 5b) Feb 28, 2010

How do you tell if the Root System is established enough for pruning?

While the new branch tips are telling the roots to grow, the new root tips are telling the branches to grow. Check to see how the branch tips are doing.

This is a picture of a cherry planted last year. The growth around 31-32 on the yardstick is last year's growth - barely an inch. The growth from 18-19 to 31 is from the year before, around a foot. The growth from the trunk out to 18 is from 3 years ago, over a foot and a half. The numbers themselves aren't important - but the fact that they are getting smaller is a concern.

This tree cannot be pruned this year. It can be pruned next year if it shows an increase in growth this year.

Thumbnail by pollengarden
Post #7594642
Quote
mrs_colla Marin, CA(Zone 9b) Mar 25, 2010

I am following your lessons, keep them coming please!
Christie

Post #7654845
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Fruits and Nuts Threads

Go to all Fruits and Nuts threads
BACK TO TOP