Zelkova Trunk Cutting?

Thaddeusjd

If a Zelkova is is cut half-way down the trunk, below the folage line, will the tress produce new branching at that site? And, if so, would it be better to wait until winter to do so?

I have a tree with a very, very unsightly U trunk split. This is one solution I am thinking of, and just wondering if the tree would branch back. Everything I have read seems to indicate it would, but just beacuse it is in a book does not make it true, so I thought I would ask to see if anyone had first hand knowldege.

-James

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Tony

Yes, as long as the tree is healthy and has a good root system they will bakbud strongly. Usually right at the top of the chop and below. I used to chop them in early spring but I've changed my views on this. Now I chop them in mid spring, right about now here in OK. That gives the leaves time to harden off and allows the roots to get something back for their effort of pushing all those new leaves. It also allows the temperatures to warm up a bit which gives you stronger backbudding.

Tony

Thaddeusjd

This is the tree is question. I wired the U intersection, as I thought if I could spread it ou more, I might be able to establish two different foliage pads on the right and left. But really, I am at a loss of what to really do with this tree. If nothing else, it is a good learning tree, by keeping it alive and leanring its habits, I am learning how to keep my trees alive.

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