AusBonsai

How to I get growth closer to trunk

Thank you

Is that a statement or a question Steve?

I think it's an autcorrect Neil - it should have read how do I get growth close to the trunk. In simple terms Steve you need to cut it back hard. It will shoot on old wood and then you start the process of selecting branches and building them by dividing into 2 each time.

Question thanks

All good Steve.
Bougie fan has already given the short answer. Cut to get new shoots.
Hormones from the tips suppress shoots lower down - an adaptation so most energy goes to growing tall so the tree will become the tallest tree in the forest. Removing the growing tips allows lower buds to grow. Usually new shoots grow a few nodes below the cut so to get shoots where you want you need to cut not too far above where you need the new growth.

No need to be frightened. Swampies will bud from old, bare wood so you can cut way back if necessary.

Thank you for all the advice guys
Much appreciated

Some trees will bud lower if you wound them just above where you want a new branch. I haven't done it with swampies but it has worked for me with several trees.

Elmer wrote:Some trees will bud lower if you wound them just above where you want a new branch. I haven't done it with swampies but it has worked for me with several trees.

Does it work for crepe Myrtle?


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Beano wrote: ↑December 1st, 2021, 6:59 pm

Elmer wrote:Some trees will bud lower if you wound them just above where you want a new branch. I haven't done it with swampies but it has worked for me with several trees.

Does it work for crepe Myrtle?


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Yes... but... it's a tradeoff because of the smooth bark it can leave a visible flaw for many years to come