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Zelkova pruning advice

Daniel Central IN, Zone 6a

last year

I have this Japanese Zelkova. It looks like the highest fork in the branches forms a really weak branching angle. I'm thinking that the smaller side should be removed but I'm not totally sure since this is a distinctly vase shaped tree. The shape of the tree looks right from a distance. But up close the trapped bark appearance makes me think if I just let it go we could be setting it up for future breakage, especially since this is a tree with a reputation for weakness to ice damage.
Any thoughts?

Comments (5)

BillMN-z-2-3-4
last year
last modified: last year
imo: The left side (shorter side of fork) in the 4th picture down, could be properly cut off considering it's still young and developing. I agree the tree won't be 'vase' shaped for long if the competing leader is left to grow at will.

Zelkova aren't fussy about the time of year they get pruned but now is a good time as it will have the whole season to work on encapsulating the wound.
bengz6westmd
last year
Most any zelkova is destined to have oodles of forks -- that's how they grow. You'll have an unending fight w/it to get rid of them.
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BillMN-z-2-3-4
last year
The need for pruning any young tree is debatable, especially one that is growing out in the open and has a decurrent growth habit.

I've 'structure pruned' many maple trees but after a point, they're generally 'on their own'.

:-)
Daniel Central IN, Zone 6a
Original Author
last year
Well I'm getting the impression that this is just the way this type of tree grows. If that's the case then I'll just let it go as is. I don't see any reason to fight against the way a tree naturally grows.
BillMN-z-2-3-4
last year
last modified: last year
Well, it's not a bad idea to do structure pruning on a young tree, to give it a good start.

I generally structure prune all my newer trees when they are smaller so they start out with as good of form as I can get, before they're too big to mess with. Maybe that's just me.

But in no way would I continue structure pruning on a tree year after year, that's just too much work and unnecessary in most cases. :-)

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