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Should I prune this Serviceberry? tree?

12 years ago

My tree, I think it is a serviceberry, has a large branch/stem that is growing from the base. I don't know whether I should prune it off or if it is OK as it is. Any help would be appreciated. {{gwi:364570}}

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Featured Answer

terrene

12 years ago

I would remove that big stalk that grows kind of sideways from the base of tree. The tree would have a nicer vase shape, and you would also have greater access to the ground around the base of the tree. I have a multi-trunk Serviceberry (Amelanchier x lamarckii) in the middle of the front garden, and enjoy its upright growth form and airy canopy. This allows me to more easily grow perennials and bulbs underneath and around the tree.

While (if) you're pruning, also remove prune any dead, broken, crossing, or diseased branches.

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Comments (8)

hoseman
12 years ago
Yes, prune it off. On any multi-stem tree/shrub you decide how many stems/trunks you want. Some cultivars of Serviceberry can be single stem or multi-stem.
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
12 years ago
What would the reason be for pruning? It looks weird or you want to put something there? The plant is fine and is not being harmed.

Dan
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orchard trees rarely look pretty ... they are pruned for production .. not aesthetics ... do whatever you want.. once upon a time.. i had a 5 in 1 pear... started losing varietals soon.. and after just a few years.. i was left with the one variety that never set fruit.. lol ... i pruned it a ground level and applied RU after that ... i do recall... at grandmas house... there was a 60 foot or better bartlett next door.. at least that is what we guessed it was... and every fall it self dropped those pear shaped rocks back to earth.. with no need to personally harvest them ... so im not sure you need to hand pick them all ... and i suspect that is the pear that is growing like a weed ... but thats all guessing.. ken
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whaas_5a
12 years ago
I would want to remove it as well. Be prepared though,it will want to sucker once you remove it.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
let me clarify what the heck they are saying ...

if there is no other reason to prune it off.. then DONT ...

there is no reason to do it but aesthetics ... you dont like the way it looks

it appears to me that it hasnt bothered you for a decade.. why now???

DONT fix what aint broke.. unless you have an ulterior reason

sooo .. why do you want to go making work for yourself???

ken
hortster
12 years ago
What we are talking about is quite subjective. Technically the tree is OK, and even if it did fall over at some distant point it would fall away from the house. Some folks like a "natural" look, some folks like everything perfect and controlled. To me, multi-stemmed amelanchier looks better as "natural" (imperfect) as it lends a unique character to the plant. I would say go with what YOU like.
hortster
enright
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for the feedback. I asked the question because I thought that the tree was supposed to be pruned. I am glad that I have the option of pruning or not pruning. I do not really plant under the tree so I may just leave it. Thanks again.
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
12 years ago
Excellent. I think it gives the plant much character.

Dan

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