How to prune this wierd young Pin Oak?

17 years ago

Hello!

I posted about a problem I was having with my Pin Oak seedling, earlier in the year. It was still winter and I tried to describe the problem but nobody understood. It was suggested I post pictures and so now that it's warmer here they are.

Problem: How to prune a pin oak that has several (4) leaders? I'm not sure if I should just cut three off and tie one to a stick to make it go straight or what. I believe they should be tall trees and I thought I could walk under them. I don't mind low limbs but this is really low as the tree is very young and stands about 4' tall now. The four leaders are about pencil size thick. I've included pictures this time, I hope you will be able to see them. They spread out like bicycle spokes. It's a wierd tree. Should I just pull it out altogether and start fresh?

G.O.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x133/ma41piw5/PinOak3.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x133/ma41piw5/PinOak2.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x133/ma41piw5/PinOak1.jpg

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Comments (5)

garden_obsessed
Original Author
17 years ago
Ok, the pictures didn't show up that time. I must have done something wrong. You can cut and paste this address into your browser to see them but I'll try it again with HTML code to see if it works.

{{gwi:352727}}

{{gwi:352728}}

{{gwi:352729}}
garden_obsessed
Original Author
17 years ago
It worked! Oh and one more thing, yes we know about the Buckthorn, we are winning the war a little more every year.
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every leaf is a food making machine.. to grow the roots... to get the tree ESTABLISHED... a tree is thought to be twice as large underground.. in a pancake shape .. than what you see above ... ergo ... you should think about how much roots your trees need to grow ... based on the relatively small ball of roots planted ... until they start growing to expectation ... imo.. it makes no sense to cut off the top.. to try to make the tree look more mature .. including thickening of the trunk ... it seems it would be counter productive ... thats a lot of bare soil.. the trees would benefit from a mulch ring.. to preserve water in the root zone ... in hindsight.. i would not have bought those trees ... it is suggested that smaller transplants go thru less stress .. grow the requisite roots.. and usually outgrow larger transplants in the long run ... and cost a lot less ...but thats water under the bridge.. and for next purchase ... regardless of how long you want to stake a tree... you should adjust the tie downs at least twice a year .. to insure that the tree is not being damaged ... also.. a smaller plant would have been easier to stake ... usually you do allow some movement.. because as dylon said.. they are suppose to blow in the wind .. but i am not sure with these specific trees.. that would be advisable .. to any great extent ... ken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G58XWF6B3AA
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pineresin
17 years ago
Looks to me like it is spreading wide to try to get what light it can.

First, whack that buckthorn back away from it so it gets more light!

Then, perhaps next winter, shorten the three very long side branches by a third or a half, so that the bulk of the crown is in the straightest stem. Repeat the following winter. By then, it should resemble a decent tree rather more.

Also, if you have deer / rabbits, put a chicken wire cage round the tree.

Resin
krazyaroider
17 years ago
I agree with Resin - First, cut all of the buckthorn back away from it so it gets more light!
I would use long handled loppers and cut the buckthorn at ground level and when it sends up new shoots, carefully spray Roundup or Ortho Brush Killer on them.

Then, perhaps right now before it begins growing, shorten the three very long side branches by a third or a half, so that the bulk of the crown is in the straightest stem. The one on the right. The main one will become much larger after the growing season is done and the side ones that are cut in half will continue to provide food during the growing season.

If you live near a Walmart or a good garden center, buy one of the green plastic coated plant stakes - they come in various sizes. Push it in the ground by the "new leader" and loosely tie the leader so it will be straighter. The tree will "straighten" as it grows... I have done this with many different tree species with desired results. Pin Oak is a fast growing member of the red Oak family.

Also, if you have deer / rabbits/ Voles, put a chicken wire or cut to size hardware cloth cage round the tree.

~ Gerry
garden_obsessed
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for your very helpful suggestions, we'll definately take your advice.We've really been working on getting rid of the buckthorn for years and we'll continue to do so. We'll make sure to clear it up around the tree as our first project this year. Thanks!

How to prune this wierd young Pin Oak?

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How to prune this wierd young Pin Oak?

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