0tterbot wrote:
we have two big old bottlebrush trees which are not only very thick and
bushy, but also completely wonky. :-)

i get the impression that they've been pruned all down one side for access
to a path, & did not ever grow back in these spots. the rest of them is
growing out all over the place & they just look horrible. however, the tiny
birds like them & live in them so they're staying for now.

is it so that bottlebrush won't grow back where pruned? (in which case,
surely i need to go very carefully..!?). will a bit of tip pruning just to
even out the bushy lumpy bits at the very tips make more bushiness, or
result in never growing back?

i think i need to get them more tree-shaped underneath, & then go carefully
round the bushy parts - would appreciate any tips on this, & any experiences
anyone has with bottlebrushes after pruning. i pruned a little one at our
last house & indeed, nothing seemed to grow back afterwards but i don't
think that particular one was very happy anyway. my big two i have here are
very happy indeed, but just totally ugly :-)
thanks for any tips!!
kylie


I have just pruned a bottle brush in out backyard to more manageable
proportions. It does pay to prune them as they grow, as they otherwise
do their own thing, which is very imaginative, but totally without rules.
As far as it growing back, it will, in unexpected places. Providing
shelter is great, so try to keep the birds happy. Keep it thick but
higher up, will do a lot for the birds.
If you're in a windy position keep in mind that they snap rather easily
and will be top heavy if this is not kept in mind.
Depending where you live, if its fairly dry they seem to cope but will
prefer lighter soil and mulch, with some watering in the tough seasons.
Best of luck.