Ask Gerry
Trees and Shrubs : Training
1 - 6 of 32 answer(s)
tree being blown around
i have a pauls scarlet for about 7 years. it flowers brilliantly but it never seems to have anchored itself properly. it has always been staked. last year i got a jcb to put down a post to support it to and it has been great but i know from the look of it that it is still not anchored. what can i do? it is about 11 foot tall
Alan S, moate, Co Westmeath Posted: 07/05/2012
This is a common problem with standard trees and especially with decorative hawthorn trees. It occurs because the tree does not make strong anchor roots - due to twisted roots at planting, truncated roots and other forms of root damage.
The trick is to give enough support to prevent severe wind rocking and further root damage, but to allow enough movement to trigger the tree into trying ot make anchor roots and not just becoming dependent on a strong stake.
Usually staking low down, as you have done is the best trigger for roots, and have three strong stakes and the tree tied in the centre. Be careful to ensure that the ties do not cut the stem bark. Rubber pond liner or folded plastic is very good for that.
Another approach, one that can be used in conjunction with staking, is to reduce the top weight of the tree, and its height, by pruning after flowering to reduce wind heave.
Failing all the above, use three guy wire cables tied at the lowest branches back to 3 strong stakes. This can be a longterm solution. The wires are hardly visible.
Support for Cotoneaster Hybrida Pendula
I have just planted two Cotoneaster hybrid Pendula trees, with the high winds at the moment I need to support them, can you suggest a good support please, was thinking of an upright timber support with a rubber type hold between it and the tree, I need to make sure I do not damage the tree, is there a particular material that should be used when attaching to supports.
101020091, Patrickswell, Co Limerick Posted: 29/11/2011
Cotoneaster 'Hybrida Pendula' is a small tree in which the top weeping part has been grafted onto a more vigorous upright stem.
A 5cm stake can be used, but make sure to tie both the weeping top and the stem tothe stake.
If the stem only is tied there is a chance that the grafted top can snap off at the point of the graft union at the top of the straight stem.
Old tights make a very good and durable tie.
damaged weeping cherry tree
I bought a potted weeping cherry tree in a garden centre and when i was putting it into the car i accidently ripped off one of the branches. its left some damage to the bark of the tree. will the tree be ok and is there anything i should do?
flowerfairy, enniscorthy, Co Wexford Posted: 13/11/2011
The damage is superficial and it will heal next year.
Removing tree stump
The old oak tree was cut down over 3 years ago. I have drilled lots of little holes in it, filled them with the appropiate tree stump decayer chemical every autumn and covered to no avail.
It is still as solid as the day it was first cut.I do not want to have to go to expense of stump grinder, or trying to burn it. I would be very grateful for any useful tips or advice you could give me to solve this problem.
silverfox, Midleton, Co Cork Posted: 14/09/2011
Oak is a very durable timber and will last well despite using decay materials.
The best bet is to plant something to screen it, a low shrub such as cotoneaster or ivy. The cover of the shrub will help to keep it moist and speeds breakdown.
Hydrangea wont flower
I have planted about six hydrangea plants approx two years ago and none of them are flowering. They are all doing well with leaves and growing but wont flower.
yvers, Gleneely, Co Donegal Posted: 22/07/2011
Young hydrangeas grow rapidly and then flower. frost might have knocked flower buds.
Willow arch
Would you please give me instructions for growing a willow arch - from scratch?
Sapling, Doneraile, Co Cork Posted: 12/07/2011
A willow archis made with living willow, using the basket will, Salix viminalis. This produces long shoots, over two metres in a year.
You can begin with a rough arch in timber and tie in the willow as it grows or you can simply train the willow byt tying it into position to make the arch.
Several stems are set in the ground, depending on how lot the arch or tunnel is going to be, on each side of the ground to be arched over. The stems are tied into position and excess shoot removed.
The stems can be woven or plaited or simply tied in a bunch, After a year, the tied stems set in position and new growth can be tied in.