Ginkgo Pruning Question

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 15, 2006

Can anyone tell me if pruning off lower branches of a tree will promote vertical growth. I have a Weeping Ginkgo and it's doing great, but there are branches about 1.5 feet above the ground and they weep and hit the ground. Total tree is about 5 feet and it has some branching starting near the top but for the trees shape I'm wondering if I should get rid of the lower branches. My senses tell me that a lot of energy is going to the lower branches and if they were gone, the upper would have more action. If I should prune, when?

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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Jun 15, 2006

No, the lower branches are contributing energy, not taking it away. Don't prune, except for dead and diseased wood, or forked leaders.

Resin

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 15, 2006

Thanks. That makes sense.

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Soferdig Kalispell, MT(Zone 4b) Jun 16, 2006

Resin is always right but I trim off those on my weepers. I feel the sooner the shape is made the better control you have over large tree shape. If the uppers are absent yes leave them but if they are thriving take off the lowest branches.

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 16, 2006

If i was to remove them, would I do it now? Wait 'til fall? I've added a picture to show you what I'm talking about.

Thumbnail by dybbuk
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willis_mckenna Lombard, IL(Zone 5b) Jun 16, 2006

I say get rid of them now. I agree with you that alot of energy is going into their growth.

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Kevin_5 Elburn, IL(Zone 5a) Jun 16, 2006

Bonsai people leave large limbs on to get caliper faster. I am with Resin--leave them on--a lot of energy is being produced by their leaves!

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peony01 Prattville, AL(Zone 8a) Jun 16, 2006

It doesn't matter - this tree grows very slowly the first fifty years. The research I've been reading supports Resin, but it often refers to 5' - 10' ft trees. The Gingko is a biblical tree, and time was viewed very differently then. My wife loves the tree.

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