|
Sun, Feb 6, 11 at 15:58
| I have a summersweet sapling I rooted last spring from a cutting. It is now about 18 inches tall and is leafing out full length of the single stem. This stem is bending over. My question is, if I prune the top portion down to a lower leaf node will it branch out or will I end up with a stubby top? Or should I cut it back to ground? There are other stems beginning to grow from base. Finally, is there any other way to straighten the stem? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Wait for it to sucker and otherwise enlarge on its own. Top pruning decreases overall size increase of shrubs, if you want more top do not cut back. People think whacking shrubs back makes them grow more because it often causes them to fork at the point where they are cut, and because replacement sprouts tend to be vigorous (unless plant is in too poor of condition to grow much even when attacked). But the total volume of added growth is less after pruning than if same specimen was not pruned. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Shrubs Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.