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training a mature7/8yrs weeping blue atlas cedar

15 years ago

Is it possible to change the height of a mature weeping blue atlas cedar (7/8yrs)? Presently the central leader has bent (started the cascading part) at 6'(caliper 8-9") and continues for another 5-6'. I would like to raise it to about 10' and then allow it to bend (for the weeping /cascading )part of the trunk.If I prune/cut the leader will I be able to train the central leader? IS there a chance that this might hurt the tree? I would appreciate any feedback/pointing to websites that may be useful.If needed I can post a photo to make it clearer.

Thanks, Vihar

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Comments (4)

pineresin
15 years ago
7/8yrs is nothing like 'mature'! 70-80 years, maybe.

You might do better to select a short side shoot that is still flexible to train upward as a new leader, rather than trying to bend an already thick stem.

Resin
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
boy a picture would really help ....

i would not mess with the current leader.. i would take a flexible limb near the spot where you want a new leader... and start training a new upright... if that makes any sense ...

but again ... without a picture... or a real explanation of what is wrong with the one there.. its hard to give options ....

ken
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Canyon- Thanks for the input. What you don't see is a small tree that's probably 40 feet straight ahead of that window. Not sure what it is, it has purple leaves in the summer and right now has beautiful pink flowers. Unfortunately, they only last about a week each spring! In the summer, you can only see that bay window from one direction. My thought process was to have this weep out and over the bed and a part of the lawn area. Walking up my path to the front steps, this will be on full display behind the crimson queen maple on the corner that turns a fantastic bright red in season. I thought the contrast of that with the golden mops and WBAC and Colorado Blue Spruce on the end would make a nice array of color contrast. That bay window is a solid 8 or 9 feet from the ground at the midpoint. It's about 2.5 feet out from the bay window also (And 4 feet from the foundation.) Unless I'm totally missing something (which very well could be the case!) I don't think it will ever block much, if any sunlight or the view, unless I just let it grow straight up without training it outward. Again, trying to learn as I go here. I actually did the entire other side of my house about 4 years ago and that's really starting to fill in nicely. I'm not one to just plant something and walk away. I carefully prune everything (including a cool topiary on the far left that you can just make out in the first photo) at least 3 times a year. That one keeps my on my toes as the Pom's can get out of control pretty quickly during growth periods. Sara - Wow! I saw your 2 WBAC's in the archway in background of that one photo.. absolutely stunning! And Thank you for the tips on pruning, I will absolutely look further into them, much appreciated! I really truly do appreciate all the insights from everyone.. thanks again! Keep em' coming!!!
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welcome to the forums.. if you are going to hang around.. plz go back to your member's page.. and add your location .... so it shows up in all your posts ... bet it wasnt easy to get home ... ergo.. the extremely minor damage ... if not trucking to the seller.. etc ... ignore it for now ... there might be viable buds.. for next year ... next.. start thinking in tree time ... in this case.. that means you have 5 to 10 years.. to start cutting pieces off ... as well as training it ... right now ... all you want or need to do.. is water properly.. so it lives ... see link on proper watering ... and the rest of it .... lets see what other think.. but im wondering if you dont need a more stout stake.. and it be installed down the spiral of the trunk.. rather than off to one side .... usually we suggest smaller plants.. and to let them blow in the wind as they grow.. but you bought a large one .. and we need it to be stable while it grows enough roots ... to hold itself up .... was it potted or ball and burlap .... were the roots severely circling.. did you do any extreme root surgery.. amend the soil ... etc ... whats the native soil .... and where are you ... ken https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub
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vihart
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Resin (you're right, I have a 8 year old garden so to me 8 is pretty mature, but the tree might actually be around12-15, anyway..) and Ken.Just joined yesterday, so thanks for replying so promptly. I'll try to post a picture. The present leader just curves sideways and then down ot the ground, so it's not growing anymore. The reason I want to raise the height to about 10' is because I want to cover an ugly 8" wall. So I was thinking if I cut the present leader at the point where it bends toward the ground (so I won't be cutting more than 3-4', the leader being about 3" thick at this point) then I could train another branch to become the leader (if this makes sense...)Do you think this can damage the tree? Should I maybe wait for next spring, to give the tree a chance to recover better?
Thax, Vihar
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
i dont understand ... why you buy a weeping tree.. and then want to cut off the weeping part ....

you are missing the point...

leave the weeping leader there.. it is still growing.. and going to make a beautiful skirt .... you will have a one of a kind speciman that most of us.. who cant grow the plant in our zone.. would kill for ...

if you want it taller.. train a new leader ...

to specifically answer your question... yes you can cut it up any way you wish ,....

all i ask .. is why are you fixated on taking off.. what most of us collectors think is the best part ...

most of us collectors are of the weirder the better group ...

but i dont understand why you want to cut off the weeping part.. of the weeping tree that you bought .... i can understand wanting to get it higher... but not through amputation ....

welcome to the group.. hope you can get that pic up.. so we can get you more specific help.. and where are dave and dan to post some pix .... to help you understand

ken

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