Sagging, weak branches on Japanese Stewartia?

[dkgarber]

Hello,
We have a Jap Stewartia that looked very healthy until the foliage came out. Most of the branches appear very weak and "flexible" rather than strong and hard and as a result, the branches are very droopy and almost weeping and the tree has no shape. The foliage appears otherwise healthy. We have had alot of rain here, would that cause the branches to weaken?

It is hard to tell in this picture, but it is just a haphazard mess right now. One of the characteristics I read about this tree is its beautiful symetry and lack of a need for pruning.

One more issue we have is the previous homeowners planted it to close to the house and we'd like to move it ...I know its a hard tree to move, are there any tips our guidelines we could follow? Its future looks grim where it is, so we are weilling to try to move it to help it along...

 

[treeseer]

HOrrible placement. Locate utilities and root prune right after leaf fall. Did up and move in February.

Lightly pruning the tips should straighten the sagging branches. A tree that valuable should be tended by a professional on site.

 

[dkgarber]

HOrrible placement. Locate utilities and root prune right after leaf fall. Did up and move in February.

Lightly pruning the tips should straighten the sagging branches. A tree that valuable should be tended by a professional on site.

Sorry for being so clueless, but what is "root pruning"?? If we hired a pro, should it be a landscaper or arborist? We have had bad luck w/landscaper and tree guys so far, so finding a reputable "pro" might be tough. It also seems that alot of people don't know anything about this type of tree. Well do anything to save it as we are aware of how great tree it is.

 

[dkgarber]

HOrrible placement. Locate utilities and root prune right after leaf fall. Did up and move in February.

Lightly pruning the tips should straighten the sagging branches. A tree that valuable should be tended by a professional on site.

sorry one more question..won't the ground be frozen in February? We live in MA.....