|
Post by lilolpeapicker on Jun 30, 2024 17:46:43 GMT -5
My backyard is devoid of all trees as some were diseased, some in the front yard were so big that the roots were headed for the foundation and others to make way for the garden. All the trees were way huge! So I wanted to have more manageable trees and wanted to start creating some shade back there. So a couple guys came and dug the hole and planted it for me. What I planted is a weeping cherry. It's supposed to get 10 - 15'. My question is would you trim back some of the branches to encourage root development? I want to cut the branches back 1/4 or 1/3 of the length. The gardening center where I purchased it said he wouldn't until the dormant stage in the fall. How would the roots grow then? I am thinking I will trim them. Wouldn't you?
|
|
|
Post by gardendmpls on Jun 30, 2024 18:26:03 GMT -5
No clue, but my daughter recently planted a weeping cherry in her yard, and it is a beautiful tree. Being a doula, she put a placenta in the hole at the request of a homebirth client. Will see if that makes a difference. Did a little research and found this: www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-weeping-cherry-tree/No mention of trimming branches to encourage root growth. Did see that you shouldn't prune those growing straight up, as these are the ones that will eventually bend over, creating the weeping effect. This quote applies to Australia, but indicates the roots develop more in cooler weather: "Early spring or late autumn are ideal times to plant these graceful beauties. During these cooler months, the mild temperatures encourage root development without stressing the young trees with extreme heat or cold." Another how to plant and maintain article: www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/weeping-cherry/weeping-cherry-growing-tips.htm
|
|
|
Post by binnylou on Jun 30, 2024 20:04:23 GMT -5
Unless your new tree was damaged during transfer and planting, I wouldn’t do any pruning. I figure the tree needs those limbs/leaves to gather nutrients. I would keep an eye on the bracing…watching for abrasion to the bark where the rope encircles the trunk. Your raised beds/gardens look great, lilolpeapicker!!
|
|
|
Post by desertwoman on Jun 30, 2024 21:44:24 GMT -5
No, I wouldn't trim it. The tree knows what to do. It wants to root. And it will. It doesn't need pruning to encourage root development. The leaves provide food for growth. If you do any serious pruning it will actually slow the tree's ability to produce food and slow the tree growth. The only pruning to do on a newly planted tree is corrective pruning (broken or dead branches).
|
|
|
Post by breezygardener on Jun 30, 2024 22:24:31 GMT -5
I am thinking I will trim them. Wouldn't you? No, no, NO! Definitely not, & particularly not with this type of tree. With "weepers", you do not ever want to trim the weeping branches unless they're showing signs of disease. Not even when they're dormant. You'll either kill the tree or deform it, & cutting those branches back will have ZERO to do with root development. Whoever told you that is crackers. Your tree looks perfectly healthy as is. Just be sure to keep it well watered until the fall/winter dormant season.
|
|