Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
formative years (see page 15, 'Choosing the
right plant at the nursery', and Figures 2.9
and 2.10 on pages 19 and 20).
Trees straight from the nursery may need
some initial adjustment (see Figure 4.3).
Pruning at this stage should be extremely
gentle as quick establishment in the
landscape is aided by maximum possible leaf
coverage.
Keep pruning to a minimum by buying well-
formed stock from a reputable nursery. If
there is no alternative:
1. Remove branches at an angle less than
45° from the trunk (unless you are
planting fastigiate/columnula trees such
as
Cupressus sempervirens,
pencil pine or
Polpulus nigra
, Lombardy poplar).
2. Remove or cut back branches that have a
greater diameter than the branch they
spring from and may threaten the central
leader (future trunk)
3. Remove branches that are too close to
each other on the trunk
4. Select branches that alternate vertically
around the trunk to prevent shading.
Figure 4.2
This plane tree has a rounded crown which
can be opened up to accommodate the power lines.
Walking down the street, it looks perfectly natural.
pruner is to make it the most beautiful it
can be.
Remember, no matter what the plant,
keep it healthy and remove dead,
diseased or crossed limbs.
Ornamentaltrees
Trees can be valued for their flowers, their
foliage, their bark or their fruits; but they are
always valued for what they are: trees. They
are meant to be statuesque. By definition,
they have a trunk (or multi-trunks) before
the business of foliage/flowers begins. Their
appeal is the quiet dignity of column and
canopy enhanced by seasonal variations.
Generally ornamental trees can be left to
develop by themselves. Care should be taken
in establishing their basic structure in their
1, 2 and 3
4
3
3
2
3
4
4
4
Figure 4.3
Corrective pruning at planting.
