American Hornbeam #4

[Cmd5235]

A little disappointed with the budding on this tree. I collected in from the field this spring, but it budded super low on the trunk. I'm hoping it throws a few new shoots higher up, but if not, I'll have to carve it way back next year.

 

[discusmike]

Nice trunk line

 

[Cmd5235]

Nice trunk line

Thank you. I hope to make something of it, like I said not too happy with how it budded out.

 

[rockm]

The top of the trunk is most likely dead, if the only buds and shoots you're getting are that low down on the trunk...FWIW, you HAVE to seal big cuts on American Hornbeam or you get significant dieback from that cut...

 

[Cmd5235]

Not sure what to do at this point- but I chopped the dead top and sealed it

 

[Cmd5235]

I’ll post this question to everyone here- keep the lower branch and try a twin trunk style, or chop it and focus on growing that upper branch as the sole leader?

 

[dlayton]

I would cut the big part off leave the small secondary branch. I wouldn’t cut it all the way until you see where you get new buds this year. Just my opinion.