Q&A – The trunk of our curly willow is staying small. How do we make the trunk bigger?
Question:
The trunk of our curly willow is staying small. How do we make the trunk bigger?
Answer:
If trees are staked tightly for a long time the trunk does not develop properly. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says when trees sway in the wind the stress on the trunk causes it to develop reaction wood which makes it wider and structurally strengthens the tree. If you do stake a tree keep the ropes loose to allow the tree to sway a little. Joellen also recommends pruning the tree to allow one branch to become the central leader or main trunk. Prune - but do not remove - the other branches.
Related Videos:
TWIG - Cutting a Tree Branch
TWIG–Tree Staking Options
Related Resources:
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' Corkscrew Willow
Tree Support Systems
The trunk of our curly willow is staying small. How do we make the trunk bigger?
Answer:
If trees are staked tightly for a long time the trunk does not develop properly. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says when trees sway in the wind the stress on the trunk causes it to develop reaction wood which makes it wider and structurally strengthens the tree. If you do stake a tree keep the ropes loose to allow the tree to sway a little. Joellen also recommends pruning the tree to allow one branch to become the central leader or main trunk. Prune - but do not remove - the other branches.
Related Videos:
TWIG - Cutting a Tree Branch
TWIG–Tree Staking Options
Related Resources:
Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' Corkscrew Willow
Tree Support Systems