On 11 Jan 2005 at 21:20, Tony Ashton wrote:

Concerning a Bald Cypress trunk chop.



I am planning on performing a trunk chop on a Bald Cypress this spring, and
I am looking for advice.

The tree is about 10 inches in diameter at the base and15 feet tall. The
tree tapers to about 5 inches in diameter at 3 feet up. It is at this point
I plan on making the chop.



First Question: When to cut?


The real first question is how long has this tree been in a pot?
And is it well established there and healthy?



I am in Portland Or, and I am currently planning on making the cut as soon
as my maples start to show signs of bud swelling ~ some time in mid to late
February.


Only someone in Portland who has layered a BC can answer that
for you in any detail. From down here in Florida, I'd say layer
in "the spring." MY spring comes in late February or early
March; yours may come at about the same time. I dunno.



Next Question: Does anyone have a more precise method of determining the
optimal time for a Bald Cypress trunk chop?



BC have leaf buds that swell before opening, too. That's always
a good indicator.

But you should be able to chop at any time in the growing
season.


Last Question: If I make the cut in February (Or later, pending advice), can
the top be salvaged (and treated like a cutting) to establish a second tree?


Nic's advice is sound, though it will delay your main chop for a
year. I've layered several BC and all have taken.

They do pretty well from cuttings, too, though I think 5 inches
is a lot to consider as a cutting; it would be a long time
before it would have roots enough to support that much trunk,
and there may not be enough internal reserve.

I think I'd recommend the layering approach and hold off the
chop for a year -- or until the end of summer if you get a _lot_
of root in the layer.


My reason for saving the top is that I have not come across any Bald Cypress
of any size in my local nurseries, and I would be loath to lose the chance
to establish the 'Next' one for use a few years down the road.


Good reason. And good luck.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - When we see
land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it
with love and respect - Aldo Leopold - A Sand County Almanac

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