Pruning tree advice

Poncke

Hi all,

I would need some advice on pruning this tree





Does anyone know what this is, and how to prune it?



Its getting really big and at the moment there are no leaves, just branches. So I thought it be a good time to prune it nicely.

I did notice that it has start to flower at the tips. So maybe I have missed the window of opportunity. I don't want to damage the tree.

Thanks

lazybones32

It's not too late but it should be done this weekend preferably.

I'd go with a lollipop shape. I can't draw on the pic, so I can't explain that further.

Poncke

Cheers,

Can you post a photo example?

Do you know what tree it is?

Cutting the sprout / knobs won't hurt the tree?

lazybones32

It's a Salix somethinganius
Cutting the tree will hurt it but won't kill it. Don't go too far back though. If it were mid-winter you could go a lot harder. How much do you want to reduce it by?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/34/36/ad/3436ad71196e51432570ba7364430c34.jpg Like that shape - only better.

Poncke

Not too much really. Just trim the sides and mainly the bottom.

Thanks

Oldtree

Looks more like a nice weeping pear, with the whiteish branches. Be careful how you prune it as it has a pendulus nature. Google weeping pear and look at the images. You'll get a good idea of shapes that you could prune to. I would go more for a domed shape



It is a bit late to prune it now as you will lose the flowers. And spring is not the best time to prune.

You can lift and level the skirt a bit and prune small branches extending out beyond the crown shape.

Use target pruning.

Poncke

Thanks guys, so basically do small pruning now to keep it a bit in check, and then next winter do the proper hair cut and shape the crown

Oldtree

Poncke wrote: »

Thanks guys, so basically do small pruning now to keep it a bit in check, and then next winter do the proper hair cut and shape the crown

The tree already had a lovely crown shape. I wouldn't be inclined to take too much off it.