how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
- Marvel170
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how do you get a canopy to become thicker? was created by Marvel170
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9474so in my second to last post I had said that I got a little Chinese Elm and I said that the canopy is a mess and that it needs to be thickened and modified. I was wondering what would be a good time to work on this and when/if I should defoliate to thicken up the branches?
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- m5eaygeoff
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Replied by m5eaygeoff on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9475Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- leatherback
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Replied by leatherback on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9479Defoliating results in buds along the branches to open up, and create side branches. This will lead to more smaller branches. I *Think* this is not what you are after in this stage. It is a technique for refining the tree canopy, and increasign ramnifications.
If you want a specific branch to grow faster then the rest you normally let uit grow out. In very basic terms: Adding leaves to the branch increases thickness.
For a recent purchase it is often best to make sure you keep it alive and growing for a year or so before doing major work. THen:
- Select which branches you want to keep (And where you would like to position them)
- Remove the other branches (Unless required to ad taper to trunk or branches)
- (defoliate for easier access, or in winter) wire branches and place them correctly
- Before mid-summer trim branches that should not thicken up. Let the branches to thicken just grow on
- After leav fall, trim sacrifice section off
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- m5eaygeoff
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Replied by m5eaygeoff on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9483Im my opinion it is too stressful, and I only ever do a partial that is I only remove the larger leaves.To get a branch or the trunk to thicken the branch is allowed to grow without pruning. I have a Hornbeam in the ground which this year the top has grown over 4 feet in length. I want the trunk to thicken as much as possible to the autumn, then I will cut back. This tree will be dug up and into apot next spring.
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- ironhorse
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Replied by ironhorse on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9484Dave
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- manofthetrees
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Replied by manofthetrees on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9485The point of defoliation is to reduce leaf size.
this is not totally true.the point of defoliation is to awaken dormant and fresh buds which in turn creates new branches.these new branches create more leaves than previously on the tree and more leaves mean more suface area for sunlight to be captured.the energy needs of the tree are met with more leaves so they dont need to be as large...so yes defoliation does reduce leave size but the point is finer branching with shorter internodes
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- leatherback
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Replied by leatherback on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9488manofthetrees wrote: ...so yes defoliation does reduce leave size but the point is finer branching with shorter internodes
Exactly. Didn't want to re-state my prvious points.
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- Marvel170
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Replied by Marvel170 on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9491Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Marvel170
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Replied by Marvel170 on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9495Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Marvel170
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Replied by Marvel170 on topic how do you get a canopy to become thicker?
Posted 11 years 5 months ago #9496Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.