NS Gearhead
New Member
Hi everyone! I'm new to the site. I've been searching for this info, but so far have come up empty.
I have 18 maples planted along my driveway. They've been there between one and four years. I replace the ones that die... last year I only lost one and I have 6 in pots waiting to go... but I'm thinking they're all established. They range from 6' to 8". One grew 18" last year! : )... until something ate it : (
I planted them 15 "steps" appart, and hope to some day have a nice tunnel effect.
My questions is; how do I make these trees grow to a nice round shape, as opposed to tall and skinny? I grew up on a christmas tree farm so I know the basics of pruning. I generally cut the lower brances as the tree gets taller, and make sure there's only one leader. (for now) I assume that once the lower brances are at the height I want that I can let the tops split and will form more of a round shape.
In do plan to hire an arborist once they get too big for me, but would like to guide them in the right direction in the meantime.
I have 18 maples planted along my driveway. They've been there between one and four years. I replace the ones that die... last year I only lost one and I have 6 in pots waiting to go... but I'm thinking they're all established. They range from 6' to 8". One grew 18" last year! : )... until something ate it : (
I planted them 15 "steps" appart, and hope to some day have a nice tunnel effect.
My questions is; how do I make these trees grow to a nice round shape, as opposed to tall and skinny? I grew up on a christmas tree farm so I know the basics of pruning. I generally cut the lower brances as the tree gets taller, and make sure there's only one leader. (for now) I assume that once the lower brances are at the height I want that I can let the tops split and will form more of a round shape.
In do plan to hire an arborist once they get too big for me, but would like to guide them in the right direction in the meantime.