Tree pruning after damage
emma lou
Posts: 170
We have two mulberry trees in our garden. They are next to each other but think they are slightly different varieties. The problem we have is last year we had heavy snowfall and one of the trees split down the centre and has sliced the trunk lengthways. Around 70% of the tree remained but lost some.This now means that although it is producing leaves etc in abundance the shape of it has been compromised. I have just started pruning today. It is around 20-30 feet tall. Thing is, I am pruning it but cannot seem to get a decent shape as it is very lopsided after the snow. The bark inside the tree at the back is very exposed, but I am not sure whether to just cut it right back to the top of the trunk and see what it produces as there is foilage on the branches near the trunk, or chop it down completely. I don't think I am going to get a decent shape from it as most of the back of the tree is missing. I have had to thin it quite considerably as the Mulberry next to it is growing toward the light and is suffering from this one tree which has got too big. I know some trees benefit from a harsh prune each year to encourage fresh growth, although not sure with this.
Posts
If you are cutting it down take some cuttings as Mulberries propogate well from cuttings, then you can be starting a long term replacement.
I was thinking about a bird table. I can kind of she the start of a shape today. I have initially cut about 2/3 off of each branch, however those that are left are quite think and need my husband to do those. We will maybe see after the initial prune, leave it a year then if we decided it isn't doing much will cut it back. It also makes a great place for a hammock so am reluctant to chop it down completely. Many thanks