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#1
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Keeping evergreens small
We foolishly planted 3 potentially large trees very close to one another on a little hill behind our water garden. They all look just wonderful now, 5 years later. But it's obvious that very soon they will be growing into one another and dwarfing the pond and hill. If possible, I'd like to keep them just the size they are, and would need to act this year before they become too large to easily prune. They a 1 Norway spruce, about 10 feet tall 1 Eastern hemlock, about 12 feet tall 1 Western blue pine, about 15 feet tall They are in a triangle with each trunk about 10 feet from the others. I know, I know, we were idiots. But all three trees are thriving, and we love the way they look now. Is it possible to "bonsai" them to keep them this size? Should we leave this to the pros, or could you point us at a good book? Thanks, jon |
#2
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Keeping evergreens small
In article
, Jon wrote: We foolishly planted 3 potentially large trees very close to one another on a little hill behind our water garden. They all look just wonderful now, 5 years later. But it's obvious that very soon they will be growing into one another and dwarfing the pond and hill. If possible, I'd like to keep them just the size they are, and would need to act this year before they become too large to easily prune. They a 1 Norway spruce, about 10 feet tall 1 Eastern hemlock, about 12 feet tall 1 Western blue pine, about 15 feet tall They are in a triangle with each trunk about 10 feet from the others. I know, I know, we were idiots. But all three trees are thriving, and we love the way they look now. Is it possible to "bonsai" them to keep them this size? Should we leave this to the pros, or could you point us at a good book? Thanks, jon Just about everyone I know has made mistakes on planting trees and scrubs. Here is a start . http://www.brucestreemoving.com/ifor...ffset=4&getOff set=true&jsEnabled=true&start=true&fID=33 Bill -- Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA |
#3
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Keeping evergreens small
I would recomend this book. TREE PRUNING, worldwide photoguide.
www.shigoandtrees.com If you prune correctly, targets, timing and dose it can be done. I would have to see the trees to suggest where to make the cuts. http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT20...ing/index.html Sincerely, John A. Keslick, Jr. Consulting Arborist http://home.ccil.org/~treeman and www.treedictionary.com Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology. Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us that we are not the boss. We foolishly planted 3 potentially large trees very close to one another on a little hill behind our water garden. They all look just wonderful now, 5 years later. But it's obvious that very soon they will be growing into one another and dwarfing the pond and hill. If possible, I'd like to keep them just the size they are, and would need to act this year before they become too large to easily prune. They a 1 Norway spruce, about 10 feet tall 1 Eastern hemlock, about 12 feet tall 1 Western blue pine, about 15 feet tall They are in a triangle with each trunk about 10 feet from the others. I know, I know, we were idiots. But all three trees are thriving, and we love the way they look now. Is it possible to "bonsai" them to keep them this size? Should we leave this to the pros, or could you point us at a good book? Thanks, jon |
#4
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Keeping evergreens small
Jon wrote: We foolishly planted 3 potentially large trees very close to one another on a little hill behind our water garden. They all look just wonderful now, 5 years later. But it's obvious that very soon they will be growing into one another and dwarfing the pond and hill. If possible, I'd like to keep them just the size they are, and would need to act this year before they become too large to easily prune. They a 1 Norway spruce, about 10 feet tall 1 Eastern hemlock, about 12 feet tall 1 Western blue pine, about 15 feet tall They are in a triangle with each trunk about 10 feet from the others. I know, I know, we were idiots. But all three trees are thriving, and we love the way they look now. Paraphrasing something I saw on a web site seems to address this problem, as follows: "New growth on evergreens are called "candles" because of the candle-like shape of the branch tips. Cutting the candles back halfway, before the needles unfold, will keep the tree more compact. Candling should occur between late March and mid-May, depending on the area and the weather. Don't try to prune once the needles have opened fully or you may end up with a misshapen plant, since these trees cannot replace their growing tips" I think simplistic makes it sound more complicated than it has to be. Sherwin Is it possible to "bonsai" them to keep them this size? Should we leave this to the pros, or could you point us at a good book? Thanks, jon |
#5
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Keeping evergreens small
sherwindu wrote: Jon wrote: We foolishly planted 3 potentially large trees very close to one another on a little hill behind our water garden. They all look just wonderful now, 5 years later. But it's obvious that very soon they will be growing into one another and dwarfing the pond and hill. If possible, I'd like to keep them just the size they are, and would need to act this year before they become too large to easily prune. They a 1 Norway spruce, about 10 feet tall 1 Eastern hemlock, about 12 feet tall 1 Western blue pine, about 15 feet tall They are in a triangle with each trunk about 10 feet from the others. I know, I know, we were idiots. But all three trees are thriving, and we love the way they look now. Paraphrasing something I saw on a web site seems to address this problem, as follows: "New growth on evergreens are called "candles" because of the candle-like shape of the branch tips. Cutting the candles back halfway, before the needles unfold, will keep the tree more compact. Candling should occur between late March and mid-May, depending on the area and the weather. Don't try to prune once the needles have opened fully or you may end up with a misshapen plant, since these trees cannot replace their growing tips" I think simplistic makes it sound more complicated than it has to be. Sherwin I should clarify some of my previous remarks. The remarks about candles are only true for pine trees. Are you sure you have a Western Blue Pine and not a Blue Spruce? The Western Blue Pine is also known as a Bhutan Pine. The other two trees, the Hemlock and the Norway Spruce can be trimmed to your taste. However, anything you cut off will probably grow back in a few years. The trees will probably bump into eachother eventually. The result of this is that the branches touching will die off, but the other branches should be ok. The Hemlock is the weakest of the three trees, and eventually will be pushed out alltogether. Sherwin |
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