My weeping birch tree has grown so wide it has advanced into
my neighbours garden, how do I prune it back and at what time of the year do I do this, and avoid it bleeding. The books I have read give scanty information and are contradictory. I would appreciate any advice thank you.
2007-10-19 10:15:19 · 4 answers · asked by bobken 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Pruning:
Don't would be my advice - the shape is never quite the same afterwards. The only exception would be to cut off dead or damaged branches. If you need to cut off more then really it's in the wrong place and I would think about replacing it with something more suitable - you could always take a cutting and plant another one somewhere else! For major pruning consult a professional who will be able give you advice specific to your tree.
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2007-10-19 10:42:40 · answer #1 · answered by Moonwalker_I 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi.
Betula species trees are quite a soft wood and so a little more prone to disease than some others.
If you are going to risk pruning it yourself, then it is a little easier to see what you need to remove during the dormant season (over winter), but you can prune it at any time of the year. I know it looks a little upsetting if it bleeds, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this harms the tree in any way. Birch do bleed quite profusely though.
You may achieve the results you need by tip pruning back to a bud, but you may also find that you need to remove a larger limb. If you do need to remove a limb make sure you look up "target pruning" technique on line.
If it is a big or attractive specimen, then I would call in a professional for a quote and advice. If you can find someone with RFS after their name, they should know what they're doing. Get a couple of quotes and ask how they would do it. It may not cost very much and you would get the job done professionally and the brush removed too. It'd be a lot cheaper than replacing the tree.
Hope that helps a little.
2007-10-21 05:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by Ian. Garden & Tree Prof. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in the winter lightly tip prune branches as high as you can reach. any major cuts should be made close to the trunk
2007-10-20 05:18:41 · answer #3 · answered by glenn t 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try www.orchardsedge.com they should be able to help.
2007-10-19 10:28:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋