About a 5 year old tree. I’m working on thickening the trunk as it feels to thin compared to the height. I just shortened the apex a lot, there’s a tiny back bud that will suit the apex just fine. My wiring is choppy I know but it gets the job done for right now. Plan on making it more efficient after growing season. Would love anyone’s advice or insights on this tree.
by Huge-Hearing-176
3 Comments
I would change the soil or be very careful about root rot. That’s about the only way I have found to kill these trees. With that soil/pot combination, I would say you’re running a huge risk there.
Also, if you want to thicken the trunk, the best thing to do is just let it grow and don’t trim for a few years.
The main trunk going up seems too straight and I think should more gradually transition to the right branch. If you’re struggling with bending the main trunk, it’s because your wiring is almost at 90 deg from straight up and provides no bending stiffness (like a slinky) – make it more 45 deg so the wire stays in shapr after bending
To me, the second branch is too thick relative to the trunk, and the rainbow arc looks a little unnatural. I’d chop that branch back to maybe two or three internodes and force it to backbud. It will probably throw out multiple buds, then I’d later choose the one that comes out at the best angle.
The three upper branches look better, but I’d also chop those back to prevent them from thickening too much. I wouldn’t do this now, but after it leafs out and builds up some vigor.
I’d keep the lowest branch as-is for now, as it’s relatively thin, and letting it grow will help build taper in the lower trunk.
I’d let the leader grow tall and wild for a couple of years to beef up the trunk, while keeping the lower branches somewhat in check. Lowest branch should be allowed to grow the most and get thickest. Higher branches should get pruned more often to make them progressively thinner as they move up the trunk. Tree will look awkward and sort of ugly during this phase, but will have better proportions in the long run.