A boldly pruned specimen tree

Mark and I bought a weeping white pine in May, 1998. It was a good size plant and took a big chunk out of our budget. It was the first specimen tree we bought for the garden and the day it was delivered is still a memorable moment. 

Ever since, we've found it hard to resist a weeping tree and they've become a recurring theme in our garden. Every tree needs attention with the pruners — often annually — if it is to attain its ideal form. And weepers like this Golden Curls willow (above) and Katsura (below center) need someone who will wield the pruners boldly. 

Mark thought he'd been doing just that. And I certainly thought so when I'd see the pile of pruned branches. But we know now that we hadn't a clue as to what kind of treatment these trees need in order to look their best.   

Gardening lessons happen when you least expect them but, if you're lucky, exactly when you need them. We got the lesson that we needed on the benefits of bold pruning last Saturday night before dinner at the home of fellow gardeners and former neighbors. 

Of course, a stroll through their garden is always a must. As we were walking around (sipping champagne) we realized that, over the years, we've usually seen this garden later in the season when its lush and layered plantings are in full flower. In mid-April, only the minor bulbs were on display on the ground and the tree canopy above was bare.

So we were able to see this weeping mulberry in all its glory. The tree is about 18 years old and was shaped by hard-pruning for the first eight years. It also suffered some early damage which helped to give it a more asymmetrical form. The tree is on the lot line of the property and, when it's fully leafed out, almost totally obscures the neighbor's car and driveway. 

Seeing the knobby twists and turns, it was immediately clear to us that we'd been trying to keep up with the new growth but not really shaping the trees. The mulberry had been bent and shaped by the owner's fearless hand into a tree that was majestic and inventive at the same time. It also gave the garden a sense of mystery and longevity that belied the age of the tree. 

Our weepers are just about to start their growth spurt and this year we'll be ready. Mark, obviously with the pruners in hand; my job will be to let him loose and not worry about the size of the pile of trimmings. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greeenbow]

I don't have a weeper in the garden. I think they are lovely though. It will be interesting to see how your trees grow with all your trimming.

[Dawn Isaac]

Bold pruning - you're right - it's far easier said than done (particularly when you've spent a fortune on a tree). It always feels like you've bought an expensive ballgown and then hacked it back to a mini-skirt. I'm still struggling with this one...

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

Dawn — I think your mini-skirt metaphor is perfect. And you are right; it is easier said than done.

[Blue fox]

I love weeping trees too. My two favorites are Larix decidua 'Pendula', (weeping larch) which is trained over a rebar arch to keep it from draping across the ground; I call this the Irish Lace curtain and it never gets pruned, and the other is Picea pendula (weeping spruce) also trained over a rebar archway, this one has a path under it. Unfortunately, the spruce gets adelgids, so pruning is limited to snipping those off. Lovely garden, and great blog.

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

Hi Blue Fox and thanks for your comments. I have been thinking about rebar arches for two of our weepers that we want to train so you can walk under them. So now I know I am on the right track.