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Cutting this back

NoviceGardenerSNoviceGardenerS Posts: 2
in Problem solving

I'm not sure what this tree is but I would like some advice as to how much I can/should cut this back. The buds have just started to come out so should I now wait until the winter?

All help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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Posts

  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    It's hornbeam, a lovely tree. To be honest, you could probably cut it back anytime, but I'd wait until next November, when the leaves are off. Enjoy the tree for its shape and leaf this year then reduce it next winter.  They are tough trees, very tolerant of being cut about, but that's a particularly nice shape. Ultimately a 50 footer

    H-C 

  • NoviceGardenerSNoviceGardenerS Posts: 2

    Thanks H-C. I love the shape and will definitely try to maintain this if it is cut back. Thank you for the information and advice. Do you think I'd be ok to lose some of the smaller branches at the bottom of the tree as they're nearly touching the floor?

  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    Yes, carefully pruned off now, but start with an undercut before sawing from above, to avoid the branch breaking and stripping the bark downwards. That said, I think those drooping branches add to the natural shape. but I accept it's your tree!.

    H-C 

  • BLTBLT Posts: 525

    I was horried to to see on friday that council Tree surgeons have lopped the tops off several trees that the birds had nest in... I didn;t think they were supposed to do that..  So much for conservation.. 

    I think your tree looks a nice shape... I hope  you leave it until autmn..

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