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Red robin Photinia tree sparse growth

chrisentwistle2cc6MzBHchrisentwistle2cc6MzBH Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi,

I was hoping for some advice how to make this tree more dense. It was purchased as an established tree around 4-5m tall. We planted it about 7 months go and over winter it lost all its leaves (also suffers from black spot). Now there's new growth it's looking very sparse and we want more growth from within the tree. We bought it to distract from the wall behind so it's not doing what we wanted at the minute.

We contacted the place we purchased it from who just suggested to put bone meal around the base and keep it watered but I expected to have to do some heavy pruning too to encourage new growth. I just wasn't sure if it would make things worse 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks




Posts

  • AngelicantAngelicant Posts: 130
    It looks nice and healthy and should start to thicken up by itself now it has new growth. I wouldn't do any pruning until next year at least. I never prune mine just maybe snip off the odd wayward branch if it's covering something else. 
     One of mine lost all its old leaves this year and had the spots (it's not a problem it's just something that happens to them). 
    Large plants that size can sometimes take a year or two to get established. Keep it well watered - at least a bucketful a week even if it rains.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I agree with @Angelicant :)  it needs to get it's roots established before it can put on much top growth.  

    Those green plastic tape ties are much too tight ... they're only for use in the garden centre etc.  and will cause permanent damage to the trunk as the tree grows ... also that cane is not going to be any use as a stake. 

    Take a look here https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/staking-a-tree/ ... although it would've been better to do it when you planted it, if you're careful to avoid the rootball you can stake it properly now.  

    Hope4 that helps.  :)

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





  • chrisentwistle2cc6MzBHchrisentwistle2cc6MzBH Posts: 2
    Thanks both. This is reassuring 🙂

    I didn't realise about the stake and ties. They came with the tree and we were advised to leave it on. That video is useful. I will see if I can adjust it so it still provides support but doesnt damage it as it grows.


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    A proper 'tree tie' is important ... or a good alternative (although less attractive) is the leg of an old pair of tights.  It's soft and stretchy ... but any tie should be checked every few months to make sure you can get at least three fingers between the tree and the tie so the trunk can swell.  

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





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