Woodify?

[jimlau]

is there a term that describes the process of a new shoot turning into hardened wood?

also, is this process purely a function of time, or would a shoot that is allowed to grow turn to wood faster than a shoot that has been pinched?

thanks.

 

[Dirty Nails]

Definition of LIGNIFY

transitive verb


: to convert into wood or woody tissue

intransitive verb


: to become wood or woody

— lig·ni·fi·ca·tion noun

 

[jimlau]

can anyone answer the other question, as to whether a growing shoot versus a pinched off 1 turns to wood faster?

 

[jkd2572]

I have a maple I let run all summer without trimming. The new growth is about 4 feet long. It is still not lignified. The stuff I did this too last year has lignified. I think it's a matter of time and age of the stem or trunk.

 

[GrimLore]

I really gave it no thought until I saw this thread but after taking a look at a rather wide variety of trees on the property and trees in pots today I tend to agree that it is a result of age or maturity - not cutting or otherwise.

 

[Poink88]

can anyone answer the other question, as to whether a growing shoot versus a pinched off 1 turns to wood faster?

I think it is a function of time. That said, the amount of lignin that eventually gets deposited and turns to wood (gained thickness) is affected by pinching or pruning due to lost of leaves/photosynthesis capacity.

I balance this by pinching the first few nodes maybe a couple of times then let it grow. I believe that having more shoots (4 in this case rather than just one) going produces more leaves equates to more lignin production. This is based on my observations on what usually causes reverse taper which is multiple branches originating from same proximity. I could be mistaken but doubt it.

 

[GrimLore]

I think it is a function of time. That said, the amount of lignin that eventually gets deposited and turns to wood (gained thickness) is affected by pinching or pruning due to lost of leaves/photosynthesis capacity.

I balance this by pinching the first few nodes maybe a couple of times then let it grow. I believe that having more shoots (4 in this case rather than just one) going produces more leaves equates to more lignin production. This is based on my observations on what usually causes reverse taper which is multiple branches originating from same proximity. I could be mistaken but doubt it.

Good point and thinking about it a little more the 2 potted Crabapple trees have had the ends of all the new branches cut off 3-4 times this year. The branches really do look a lot different not having that green new growth look. So I guess the next thing he would need to know is if the "type" of tree he has can be cut back without weakening it or worse. I am pretty certain for example that if I did the same thing to a potted Plum this time of year it would create a mess.