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Cut back eucalyptus tree?

Kate McDonaldKate McDonald Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi there
I have a lovely eucalyptus at the end of the garden, which I love, but it is getting rather large!
We moved in about 7 years ago and the tree was several meters smaller, see second pic. We are losing more morning sun every year and I wondered if there is the option to have it cut back somewhat to restrict the growth?
Any advice would be appreciated so I'm informed as to good practice if we were to consult with a tree surgeon or something.

Many thanks
Kate

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I had a similar problem.
    When mine reached approx 100ft I had it reduced by 50%.
    The tree surgeon did warn me that this would cause bushing at the top.
    Basically, from where about 50ft was removed hundreds of new shoots appeared from the tops of each of the 3 trunks and grew in all directions. After a couple of years these shoots were 20ft or more long. The tree looked ridiculous and unbalanced so I had it removed completely.
    You could cut it back to 6ft (seriously!) and it will still re-sprout, but at that height you can manage to keep it under control.

    Maybe someone else has a an alternative idea

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    https://www.hardy-eucalyptus.com/training-and-pruning has useful info.

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Sadly it proves once more that they are not suitable trees for domestic gardens. Too easy to be seduced by the foliage. But they always end up too big. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    People plant eucalyptus because when they are young, the foliage has round leaves. You have to keep them pruned to maintain the juvenile leaves or the leaves change to the mature form which isn't as interesting. They do grow into enormous trees which are never suitable for domestic gardens, sadly.
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    I had the same problem and ended up doing the same as Pete.8, paying twice for tree surgeons. I didn’t plant it. I got it cut down to bar table height in the end but it didn’t survive/ resprout  so now it’s just a table or plant stand. I don’t miss the amount of leaves it dropped throughout the year though.
  • Kate McDonaldKate McDonald Posts: 10
    Ok thanks all for the input, it doesnt sound like there is an easy and nice way to get the size down sort of as I suspected! I think I'll let it keep growing then for as long as we can as it sounds like it's too late for any early intervention! Thanks!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2020
    You may find this interesting https://southerneucs.com/blogs/news/coppicing-or-cutting-back
    it says that you can cut back and coppice a eucalyptus at any age/size ... and then you simply keep coppicing every couple of years or so ... and if anyone should know it’s the Australians. 😎 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Yep. I chop my eucalyptus down by 6-10 feet every year or so. Have also chopped other ones down to 3 foot and they have sprouted back ok. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    @Kate Mcdonald - you will regret just leaving it to grow taller, they don't know when to stop and can easily reach 33m or more. They then become dangerous in high winds. The taller a tree, the more expensive the tree surgeon's bill!  My son had his taken right out and it cost a fortune.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    My eucalyptus cost £1.99 to buy, £450 to have the height reduced and £1100 to have it removed completely. And I've still got a 6ft diameter stump.
    Not the best buying decision I've made

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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