FredL

After our first really lengthy hot spell of the Summer, the results seem to be in on this year's collecting of our local Shortleaf Pines (P. echinata). Of 12 collected, it appears to be safe to say that 9 will survive. One, that I thought would die for sure, has pulled through and one that looked just fine suddenly collapsed and turned brown in a matter of days. All 9 of the survivors look at least as good at this point as the seven I collected last year, all of which are growing vigorously and look very healthy.

Which brings me to my point:

This Spring, I wrote in to the forum regarding pinching candles. Upon the advice of Walter and others, I pruned back all the candles on the 7 I've had in cultivation for a year in early June. I had imagined that would do it for this season, but I'm finding that all 7 have resumed growth so vigorously that I find myself wondering whether they should be pinched back again. The most vigorous growth is at the top, but I also have suckers sprouting at the bases.

I have been very impressed at how these trees are responding to pinching back. Lots of back-budding is occuring on old wood and the trees are getting bushier and filling in.

I am leaving all of the newly collected trees strictly alone.

Any comments on pinching back welcome!

Fred

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