Quercus ilex arrives multistem when want specimen tree

jo ringrose2 · February 2018

I've just received a quercus ilex expecting it to arrive with one trunk but it has many. I have removed some of the very thin and crossing branches to leave three sturdy branches all coming out from the base. Should I remove two further branches and leave just one leader? Of the remaining three, the middle branch is at present the longest and thickest. It just seems a shame to remove the two side ones which are very healthy but I'm thinking that if i don't my tree with have three trunks?

Any help gratefully received.

Thank you

Jo

Dovefromabove · February 2018

Holm oaks are often used as windbreaks so the multi-stemed version is quite common.

I think a three stemmed one grown as a specimen could look really good ... much more interesting than.the single trunked ones ... they can grow huge ... but if it's not what you want I'd send it back ... but you've removed some of the stems ... they might accept it back, they might not ...

Some images of multi-stemmed Quercus ilex here https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=quercus+ilex+multi-stem&rlz=1C1PRFC_enGB734GB735&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiF6NLb7bHZAhVLOMAKHeqHA1UQsAQIJg&biw=1093&bih=530

Last edited: 19 February 2018 11:27:03

jo ringrose2 · February 2018

Thank you so much for replying.

I have planted it because I assumed they must all come like this, so I won't be returning it. It does look good and very healthy atm but I just wasn't sure how it would be in a few years time. Thank you for the pictures. Unless I hear differently, I think I will leave the three trunks. Perhaps it reflects my charaacter, a bit querky!

BTW I am lucky in that it has lots of space...

Many thanks again.

Jo

Dovefromabove · February 2018

I think it'll look great ........ good luck and enjoy

Quercus ilex arrives multistem when want specimen tree

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