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| Question about Autumn Gold Ginkgo (see picture, chair for scale). I'm not sure when or if I am supposed to trim the lower branches off to form a more tree-like structure.
I bought the tree in a 15 gallon container and planted it 2 years ago, it's currently about 8-9 feet tall. I want it to grow in a compact shape so it will provide the maximum amount of shade, so don't really want it to waste energy growing those lower branches. I've seen Ginkgos around my city that are about the same size, but have no lower branches, so I assume they were trimmed off. Any advice, please? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| I would remove the lower branch, it should not harm the tree. Was the tree damaged at some point? Sometimes you see this kind of low growing branch arise after an injury to the trunk. Also, you need to remove the grass all around your tree, then mulch the area. Especially important in an arid region as your tree is competing with the turf for available moisture. |
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| As long as you know how to make a proper pruning cut, remove every sideshoot up to the top of the chair. You can do this whenever you have pruners/saw in hand. I'd leave all healthy branches above that level until the tree got a little larger. |
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| Thank you- should I wait til winter when the leaves fall off, or is it ok to do now? |
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| "You can do this whenever you have pruners/saw in hand." In fact, doing it now would give the tree a head start in covering over the wounds. |
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| I was confused as first wondering why in the world would you prune that tree! I didn't see the very low branches. Agreed, prune just to the top of the chair and you'll have yourself a nice specimen for ages. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Tue, Jul 10, 12 at 22:06
| everything below the back of the plastic chair ... and while you are at it.. remove all grass in a 4 foot circle.. add a 3 foot circle of mulch.. and since you wont be anywhere near the trunk with the weedwhip.. get rid of that plastic-looking collar down there ... i would do the grass with round up ... and then just cover it with the mulch... if you need info on that process just ask ... you will NEVER hurt a tree.. by PROPERLY PRUNING IT ... the only issue MIGHT be timing on certain trees.. and the other peeps say go for it.. whenever ... on this one .. ken |
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| thanks for all the advice, you guys are great. |
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Wed, Jul 11, 12 at 18:48
| Well, the very "best" time for pruning trees in the N. Temperate zone is late winter/early spring. Thing is though, the difference between the best and the worst times is not all that great. You can certainly safely (For the tree) prune it now. By all means though, do read up on proper pruning technique. +oM |
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