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Wisteria Wayward Branch

mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29
in Problem solving
I have a Wisteria that has a thick wayward branch (about 6/7cm diameter) that I want to remove as it is shooting off over the fence. Is this best removed in Winter? Also, it goes underground before coming up so should I cut to soil line or dig around it, to expose it, so I can cut it back to the trunk? Thoughts appreciated

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    edited August 2020
    I think you could safely remove it now by cutting it back at the main stem.   Make sure you make a starter cut underneath so that the bark doesn't tear when you come thru from the top.   You could also leave it till winter or just after leaf fall but make sure there is no frost forecast as that will damage the exposed cut.

    You'll find that the bit underground will have rooted so could be dug up and potted to plant elsewhere or give away or swap.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29
    Thank you for the tips! @Obelixx as the cut will be below ground level is it best to keep it exposed to dry/heal (if so how long for?) Or ok to fill the soil straight back in?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Can you post a picture?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29
    @Obelixx the branch disappears underground for a couple of feet
  • mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29


    @Obelixx sorry realised the second picture didn't load. This shows part of the main trunk on left, then the unwanted branch peeking up on the right. The previous picture is the main trunk (leaning an old tree trunk)
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I'm afraid that's as clear as mud.   The branch is far more likely to be coming up from a different point on the roots rather than disappearing underground the other way but it's just not clear enough to see.   

    Can you take away all the little bits of weed and foliage growing around the trunk and branch base so it's all more visible?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29
    @Obelixx sorry for the delay. Thanks!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Much better.

    I think you can safely saw that off where it leaves the main plant.  It will have its own root system I should think so maybe wait till autumn, after leaf fall then separate and dig up with its roots and any top growth and offer it to a friend or neighbour who wants a wisteria.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • mariegalaxymariegalaxy Posts: 29
    Thank you @Obelixx. I decided to go for it as it was really in the way of some fence work to be done. It seems to be healing up nicely.
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