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Help with pruning /pollarding my Catalpa

Superrad49Superrad49 Posts: 42
in Tools and techniques
I have a Catalpa Bignonoides which is now approx 2-2.6m tall. I don't want it to get any higher so I believe I can pollard it .I appreciate that pollarding means it will not flower but I have grown it mainly because I love the leaves. Can anyone guide me, from the picture , as to which limbs I should cut back and by how much please? Have looked in all my books and I am getting more and more confused !!

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I have a Catalpa very similar to yours and am planning to pollard it towards the end of next month.  I sought help here too, so this link should help you:

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1070004/pollarding-a-catalpa-would-you-do-this-next-year-or-wait-a-bit#latest

    I am going to reduce mine to a tripod like framework like this:



    Mine has never flowered, but, like you, I like the leaves!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Superrad49Superrad49 Posts: 42
    Thank-you so much for the link....I hadn't found that. I think I will be brave and go ahead now I have a much clearer idea of where to cut it . Thanks
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I recently saw a photo of a Catalpa that had been pollarded and the leaves had tropical dimensions which banished any further doubts! I am going to take mine down in stages so that the weight of the branches above is reduced to ensure a neat, final cut. Good luck with yours!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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