Re: Pruning Fagus Sylvatica 'Dawyk Purple'
Kathy N
Hi, Christie,
The beauty of F. sylvatic, no matter what the cultivar, is they can be very happy shaped and pruned into hedges, etc so the ultimate size you want them to be is perfectly doable. Best time to shape them is late summer, preferable August. Prune this year if their branch structure is uneven or asymmetrical. If the branch structure is uniform, don't prune much since right now you want the plant to be full, lush & thick when leafed out.In the second year, correct misplaced shoots by heading back the longest branches to your desired height or spread. Cut at an angle, slightly above a leaf node or bud. By third year, taper the trees ever so slightlyas you go up to make sure the lower branches get sunlight ( I say this assuming they will be planted close to one another like a hedge - if not, this isn't truly necessary but can't hurt at all). Cut the leader when the trees have reached the desired height.
Kathy C
Replied: Wednesday 30th of June 2010 06:17 PM
