Thank you Berghill, treehugger80, raisingirl and Bookertoo for all your advice/encouragement.
I ended up using some duct tape as thats what I had around, hopefully its woven nature will provide a bit of give. As well as the bamboo, my bloke came back with some trädbalsam (tree balsam?) which apparently helps seal cuts/damage and prevents rotting, so I smeared that on first.
As I'm a total novice who's never dared prune more than a tomato plant, I chickened out a bit with removing all the top growth. However I did cut out the bulkiest central branch, so what remains now is, I think, low enough down to be supported by my bamboo splints. Is this sufficient?
I am so grateful for all the positive words. I was convinced my tree had no chance at all. I shall certainly post again come spring if there are any signs of life.
Sounds as if you've given it the best chance it can have, if it still dies then you can rest assured you did as much as was possible. Let's hope. Taking out the top, heavier branches was a good idea. Lets wait and see.
I would still reduce the branches back a bit (as much as half will do it no harm), and remember to check the wound this time next year as if its all healed then you can remove as much tape and support as possible
Tying and staking is definitely the way to go. Personally I would have stayed with the cable ties provided they are not too tight and removed as soon as the sapling has heeled. I never cease to be amazed at how tough plants are. Your sapling probably just thinks a storm has passed through! If its anything like as tough as my trusty old Volvo its sure to come through! Good luck and let us know how you get along.
I've only just looked at the photos. Damage apart, it looks like your Magnolia was planted much too deep to start with. Everything visible in the first photo looks like stem and should be above ground, not buried - the soil level shouldn't come above the point where the stem and roots join. Don't go by the soil level in the pot when you buy it as plants are often potted up with too compost.
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Thank you Berghill, treehugger80, raisingirl and Bookertoo for all your advice/encouragement.
I ended up using some duct tape as thats what I had around, hopefully its woven nature will provide a bit of give. As well as the bamboo, my bloke came back with some trädbalsam (tree balsam?) which apparently helps seal cuts/damage and prevents rotting, so I smeared that on first.
As I'm a total novice who's never dared prune more than a tomato plant, I chickened out a bit with removing all the top growth. However I did cut out the bulkiest central branch, so what remains now is, I think, low enough down to be supported by my bamboo splints. Is this sufficient?
I am so grateful for all the positive words. I was convinced my tree had no chance at all. I shall certainly post again come spring if there are any signs of life.
...with soil and protector replaced:
Last edited: 02 December 2016 15:28:21
Sounds as if you've given it the best chance it can have, if it still dies then you can rest assured you did as much as was possible. Let's hope. Taking out the top, heavier branches was a good idea. Lets wait and see.
Haha Mollycoddled yes! Fingers crossed aye.
Will do !!
I would still reduce the branches back a bit (as much as half will do it no harm), and remember to check the wound this time next year as if its all healed then you can remove as much tape and support as possible
Sounds like good advice, treehugger80, thanks
It's always worth trying with something like that., You have nothing to lose and it might just work.
'You must have some bread with it me duck!'
Tying and staking is definitely the way to go. Personally I would have stayed with the cable ties provided they are not too tight and removed as soon as the sapling has heeled. I never cease to be amazed at how tough plants are. Your sapling probably just thinks a storm has passed through! If its anything like as tough as my trusty old Volvo its sure to come through! Good luck and let us know how you get along.
I've only just looked at the photos. Damage apart, it looks like your Magnolia was planted much too deep to start with. Everything visible in the first photo looks like stem and should be above ground, not buried - the soil level shouldn't come above the point where the stem and roots join. Don't go by the soil level in the pot when you buy it as plants are often potted up with too compost.
I'd also keep checking on the tape - if the tree survives and the trunk grows wider, you'll need to make sure the tape isn't "strangling" it.