Encouraging Lateral Tree Growth

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Sea Witch, Jun 19, 2012.

  1. Sea Witch

    Sea Witch Active Member

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    Location:
    Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, Zone 7
    3-part question:

    Several of my trees look like lollipops (and aren't supposed to) because the former owner (or deer) pruned off all the lower lateral growth.

    1) When I was young, someone once backed into a 10-year old tree lining my parent's driveway. Where the tree was injured, in the years that followed some significant lateral growth occurred. Is there an accepted, controlled method of "injuring" a tree to encourage lateral growth?

    2) If lower lateral growth has been pruned, will a tree eventually sprout more of that growth with age?

    3) Are there any other ways to encourage low lateral growth?

    thank you
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Location:
    WA USA (Z8)
    Screen out the deer to allow normal shape to develop, as far as is possible at this point. Do not "attack" the trees in an effort to force them to sprout from the trunk.
     

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