Re: [Tutorial] Trunk chopping
Posted: August 30th, 2016, 7:22 pm
Good question Mac.
I find that any branch (deciduous trees?) is able to grow new shoots from the base. So if you cut the branch back and leave a short stub it will almost certainly produce new buds. Having said that I now need to qualify it. If you cut a low branch but leave lots of strong apical shoots the upper shoots may supress the lower buds so if you really need shoots always cut back all over the tree for best results.
Note that I have specified leaving a stub above. New shoots are not really well attached to the trunk. When broken off by 3yos, magpies, livestock with long necks and legs, rough wiring or other assorted pets they often break off below the bark level and I assume take out the basal buds Only time will tell
Also worth noting that there are plenty of other magpies, pets, etc but only one 3yo daughter so give her a big hug to remind her that she is special
I find that any branch (deciduous trees?) is able to grow new shoots from the base. So if you cut the branch back and leave a short stub it will almost certainly produce new buds. Having said that I now need to qualify it. If you cut a low branch but leave lots of strong apical shoots the upper shoots may supress the lower buds so if you really need shoots always cut back all over the tree for best results.
Note that I have specified leaving a stub above. New shoots are not really well attached to the trunk. When broken off by 3yos, magpies, livestock with long necks and legs, rough wiring or other assorted pets they often break off below the bark level and I assume take out the basal buds Only time will tell
Also worth noting that there are plenty of other magpies, pets, etc but only one 3yo daughter so give her a big hug to remind her that she is special