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Snowy mespilus

DecepticonDecepticon Posts: 36
in Problem solving

Hi

I have one of these trees in my garden which was next to some overgrown shrubs, I have now pruned back the shrubs around the tree and the tree now looks like he could do with a good hard pruning. I cant find much on the net about these trees, can I prune it or is it getting too late to do anything?

 

thanks

Posts

  • DecepticonDecepticon Posts: 36

    Hi thanks for your reply, I googled it but couldn't find much info on pruning these.

    Enclose a picture. the shrubs I cut back made it grow into a horrid shape and I would like to cut it to 3-4ft high if its possible

    image

     Cheers

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,143

    Amelanchier (aka Snowy mespilus) is a small multi-stemmed tree - I don't think it would look good cut back that hard.  Now that you've cut back the shrubs around it I think the Amelanchier may well develop more shoots and grow in a more balanced shape.

    image

     


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





  • DecepticonDecepticon Posts: 36

    thanks dove

    Older bush type Amelanchiers can be rejuvenated by cutting back hard at the start of the growing season. It will soon shoot out from the pruned branches. Be aware that as with all hard pruning, the plant will soon regain its original size again, for it has a root system that will support rapid growth.

    This is not advisable for single stem small tree types

    I did find this on the internet ~(not easy to find but I got there) if I decide to trim is it too late already?

     

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360

    I have one too, with a similar problem. It has grown very tall and lopsided due to being crowded out by another tree which I've since had cut back. It's in flower at the moment and very lovely, but you only notice if you remember to look straight up!

    I posted about it on here and was advised to wait until after flowering (I'll see if I can find the thread) and now that the time approaches I'm getting a bit nervous about what I need to do.

    So watching this thread with interest. 

    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360

    Found it: http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/problem-solving/pruning-amelanchier/831802.html

    The fence in the picture is about 6 ft.

    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
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