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Fraser Fir Tree Damage

rebecca.c.robinsonrebecca.c.robinson Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hello, at our local park we planted a Fraser Fir tree as a Christmas tree for our community. In the first year it was kicked on one side but survived, although has lost some branches. It has now been planted for a couple of years and seemingly has new growth towards the top. However someone appears to have taken off the top and on our Facebook group someone has stated, “The top has been cut off, not even broken off, so most likely an adult with clippers. It will get wider, but not taller”. If this is the case then it won’t grow to be the community Christmas tree that we hoped and planned for. I’m quite fond of it and this has saddened me. Is this true? Thank you.

Posts

  • rebecca.c.robinsonrebecca.c.robinson Posts: 3
    edited June 2022
    Here is a photo, apologies I couldn't work out how to rotate the image.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The photo problem has been ongoing for years and no sign of it being sorted - not your fault.

    However, now that the leader has been cut on the tree, it will grow out rather than up, although it may produce a double set of trunks which are vertical. That taller one in your pic will probably take over, but the tree will be a bit lopsided. Difficult to judge without seeing the whole thing though.  Trees grown commercially are trimmed and pruned now and again to get that triangular look we all like.  :)
    Unfortunately, if someone's done that deliberately [what's wrong with people?] then it may happen again.  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • rebecca.c.robinsonrebecca.c.robinson Posts: 3
    Thank you for your response. So I don’t need to do anything except perhaps a little trimming or pruning to help keep the shape. But it will still grow upwards but just a bit lopsided - in which case I can live with that. I was wondering if something needed doing to help it or even if it might need replacing. But it seems not from what you’re saying. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Any trimming has to be very carefully done, and is normal when grown as a crop. How well shaped it is already is hard to tell from the photo, so you'd need to judge that yourself.  :)
    They have a naturally nice 'Christmas tree' shape anyway, so you may just have to wait and see how well it does, and that will also depend on how quickly it grows.
    They're quite quick growing in the right conditions, and much nicer than the Norway Spruce which looks similar, but is much jaggier.  
    I hope it turns out well for you. They make lovely trees.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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