growing them inside and keeping them small to avoid the fungus.
The lessened strength of both of these scenarios will make it more susceptible.
I had it pop up on several trees this spring, trouble was, it popped up right after I cut for spring, so I had to cut off more!
So I will always wait till after the spring rust pop before cutting, this way you are not forced to cut off too much.
Cutting so late isn't the best IMO. But it's better than dead.
I let mine go a couple years. Let go out of my usual cut 3-4 times a year to keep it close and compact.
Kinda regret it. I should have stayed on it.
Bud counting works. More on the lowest branches, less on the top. Prune fest.
Sorce