How to prune Flowering Dogwood? Branches dont tollerate pruning.
njbiology
16 years ago
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Comments (10)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help! Prune this tree? How to get it to flower?
Comments (11)Arborists aren't trained for this kind of work so you are on your own but you can probably find some kind of video about maintaining espaliers, which require a different strategy than free standing trees- for one thing, it is standard to do almost all maintenance pruning during the summer. Of course, such a video won't guide you out of your current pickle. Corrective pruning is a subject that doesn't get much coverage, even on the internet and yours is a very specific case. I should make a video of making a hinge to bend a branch but don't have the equipment. The important thing is not to cut (much) more than a third of the diameter and do it on the side your are bending it. Use as many cuts as it takes to make the branch reasonably limber working your way up the branch. The suggestion of taking it out of espalier form and turning into a conventional free standing tree is also a workable strategy and good idea, but the question is, would this work within the space? Espaliers are attractive but somewhat complicated to maintain as productive trees. But then, that can be said for all corrective fruit tree pruning. Apple trees are relatively forgiving of transplantation. Here is a publication that begins to explain some of the biological issues you are dealing with. If you are interested, I can find you more. Here is a link that might be useful: fruit tree physiology...See MorePagoda Dogwood unexpectedly pruned....
Comments (15)I would go ahead and prune it, just to get it done. Optimal pruning time will be anytime between now and budbreak in the spring, so there's no particular rush except just to get it off your to-do list. If you're not familiar with how to prune, you might do a little web surfing, but it's not complicated. The depth of mulch can vary depending on what you used, but with products like fine bark chips or shredded mulch, 3" to 4" is usually about right. I usually thicken the layer a little more towards the outer limits of the mulched area. It's also a good idea to leave 1" to 2" of unmulched area right around the tree's trunk. This will keep the mulch from holding moisture up against the bark which can cause pest and disease problems and it discourages rodents from using the mulch as a cover while gnawing on your tree. Rake the mulch back from the trunk before you put your cage on, but wait for a warm (comfortable for you) day to fine tune your mulch....See MoreHow to prune Flowering Dogwood? Branches wont tollerate pruning.
Comments (1)To get the best response for this question, contact your state's MG program or post on the shrub forum....See MoreHow do I prune this? New canes with lots of branching
Comments (18)My problem with Austins that get to be giants is that they don't seem to bloom well. I've tried training them as climbers but it hasn't worked out well so far. I am not sure whether this is just due to lack of resources (poor soil, not enough fertilizing),or whether it's just that the plants simply aren't capable of supporting all that green growth and blooming profusely as well. I plan to experiment with both pruning them back severely and with trying to fertilize more,but I confess that, with all the roses that I have, I find it difficult to coddle specific ones. This is the main reason why I'm not a big fan of Austins in general....See Morenjbiology
16 years agoNell Jean
16 years agonjbiology
16 years agoduluthinbloomz4
16 years agonjbiology
16 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
16 years agoNell Jean
16 years agonjbiology
16 years ago
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