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Great Lakes Gardening

yellow smoke bush - prune to tree form

12 years ago

Can I prune my Yellow Smoke Bush to resemble a tree by pruning off the bottom branches? I did this with my Sumac and it now resembles a palm of sorts. Long trunk and very bushed out on top. Turned out very nicely and allows for underplantings of spring blubs or small shrubs. However, not sure how a Smoke's branches grow or if anyone has ever tried it with this one.

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

paul_
12 years ago
Not familiar enough with this one to be of much help. You could, obviously, give it a go and see what happens. Some bushes are poorer candidates for such treatment as you are aware. I think the shrubs that sucker vigorously and or tend to put out a basal trunks from the get go like dogwoods are typically in the poor candidate category.

Good luck and if you try it, let us know how it works out!
ltalent
11 years ago
I don't think it would hurt it. You can cut it back aggressively and it will sprout out again, if healthy. If you do it, post a photo so we can see.
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