E. Gunnii pruning?

Not the best picture but I cut the tree back to around 5 1/2 feet today. It’s much more stable now that we’ve restaked as well. Here’s to hoping it grows back ok

 

Well yeah, personally I'd have left at least some foliage on it.

 

I got a bit excited with the loppers

 

Hi Eva Green

In my personal, somewhat professional opinion, you've knackered it, mate.

Eucy's don't make good garden trees unless you've got ample room to let them grow - same with Leylandii and Lawson cypress. In the original state it would've shot up quickly before filling out. They are whippy, spindly trees at first, but can fill out nicely, given time. A nice crown reduction, cutting back to adequate growth points would have resulted in a more manageable and aesthetic looking tree.

Hacking it back to a pole will generate extensive and uncontrolled regrowth. With no apical dominance the tree will (or may, if it survives) put its energy into producing new shoots. These will need to be managed early on to avoid weak, multiple unions that could fail in the future. Basically you could end up with a fat green bush on top of a skinny stick.

Staking a tree is practically pointless, unless it is located in an excessively exposed and windy location. Staking a pole that is sheltered by a fence is even more so. A tree MUST be able to move in order for it to grow a strong, healthy stem. Wind loading of a tree encourages the production of extra woody tissue in the stem to provide strength and resistance. By staking a tree you remove the need for it to support itself. It grows tall and thin which can then lead to failure further up the stem above the stake.

 

Any advice?

 

Hi Eva

Without knowing more about your needs for the tree and your garden it's hard to offer advice personal to you. I understand that it was a gift and that may impact what you decide to do next.

If it was up to me I would recommend removing it completely and planting something more suitable for the location. However, I am saying that as someone who has 20+ years experience with dealing with trees, and I know what to expect in the long term.

If you are intent on keeping it then please be aware that it will never likely be an attractive tree to look at and it will need more maintenance now than if you had left it as it was. Remove the stake as that is not needed. Give it a year to see what the regrowth is like. Get yourself some shears or a hedgetrimmer if you can and treat the tree as a shrub, rather than a tree, keeping it trimmed neatly in a ball-like shape. Keep us informed as to how you get on and if you're unsure of anything or have any other questions then pop back here - we're all here to help.

 

Never managed ball shape on mine, I dont have a clear picture but this is the top half above a 6ft fence.
I cut most of this growth off each year, its gone past the juvenile stage regarding foliage and I only ever get adult leaves, but I do like the red stems and the way the leaves shine and flash when they catch the sun.
I'll be cutting it back hard very soon.