Identify & Prune Tree

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by MJ, Feb 6, 2006.

Page 1 of 3
  1. MJ

    MJ Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Ratings:
    +0
    Can someone tell me what tree this is and how to prune it?

    It's too big now and totally blocks out the view when the leaves are active.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Thanks.
     
    MJ, Feb 6, 2006
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
    Messages:
    1,330
    Ratings:
    +1
    The bark looks like an ash of some kind but the buds are rather pale instead of dark.

    It could be taken down to waist height without too many problems and it should rejuvenate. Ideally it should have been done in December but it'll probably be OK to do it now.
     
    frogesque, Feb 6, 2006
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] What shape are the leaves & does it flower do you know as it looks a little bit like a Lilac..? As you say will totally block the view, or give you total privacy..... :confused: If it is a Lilac I prune mine after flowering, that way there is usually enough new growth for flowers next year. I keep one of mine very small, about 1/2 the size of yours with yearly pruning with no problems. [​IMG]
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 7, 2006
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    50,491
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +92,088
    I thought it looks a bit like one of those shrubby magnolias [​IMG]
     
    pete, Feb 7, 2006
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] I think if it was a Stellata it would have quite large fat flower buds on now. Mine has, but now you mention it does have the smooth bark appearance of Magnolias too Pete.. :confused: Need a leaf as well I think... [​IMG]
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 7, 2006
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    50,491
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +92,088
    Yes, really need a leaf and flower to be sure, come to think of it the bark looks a bit like beech. [​IMG]
     
    pete, Feb 7, 2006
    #6 Quote in Conversation
  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] Yes that even went through my mind too.... Pete :rolleyes: :D
    A leaf or flower or photo of it in leaf last year..
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 7, 2006
    #7 Quote in Conversation
  8. rudham1

    rudham1 Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2006
    Messages:
    46
    Ratings:
    +0
    looking at the photo's and everyones comments and suggestions i'd be inclined to say its a beech, like pete said the bark looks right and the branches are not smooth running, jutting out at all sorts of angles, magnolia branches flow and tend not to be so knotted
     
    rudham1, Feb 7, 2006
    #8 Quote in Conversation
  9. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] The only thing with Beech is that most of them have still got brown leaves from last year on & the one in the photo doesn't seem to have any on it..... :confused: As you say the branching is very Beech like..... [​IMG]
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 8, 2006
    #9 Quote in Conversation
  10. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
    Messages:
    1,330
    Ratings:
    +1
    I'm not convinced with the beech either. Beech round here are still full of brown leaves which shed as the new buds break. The twigs are also much more numerous. I've just had a look and the bark is quite a bit darker too.

    Looking at the photo it apears that this tree has been cut down before, hence all the branching low down. At the moment I'm still with an ash but not 100% convinced Fraxinus excelsior

    The anoying thing is I know I have seen that pale grey bark and branching somewhere but I can't place it. :confused:
     
    frogesque, Feb 8, 2006
    #10 Quote in Conversation
  11. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] I know just what you are saying frogesque, & I agree that it looks a bit like it has been cut down before, looks like the stump was taken to ground level maybe, the buds don't look quite right for an Ash either... What about a sweet Chestnut thay can grow like this one is....!! :confused: Hopefully they will come back with a picture of it in leaf...
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 8, 2006
    #11 Quote in Conversation
  12. Liz

    Liz Gardener

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2005
    Messages:
    2,911
    Ratings:
    +65
    How about Hornbeam or whitebeam? I think ash buds are bigger.
     
    Liz, Feb 8, 2006
    #12 Quote in Conversation
  13. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] Hmm yes could be, but again Hornbeams tend to hang on to their old leaves through the winter too. The buds are certainly not big enough for Ash I agree. Maybe they will, with a photo.... :D :D
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 8, 2006
    #13 Quote in Conversation
  14. MJ

    MJ Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Ratings:
    +0
    Thanks for the replies so far. I have some more evidence for you [​IMG]

    Found a couple of old leaves and snapped off a twig.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The tree was planted in August 94 and is now about 20ft high by 10ft width.
     
    MJ, Feb 8, 2006
    #14 Quote in Conversation
  15. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,126
    [​IMG] Oh MJ no problem this ii a Tulip Tree-- Liriodendron Tulipfera. I have one of those at the bottom of the garden..

    [ 08. February 2006, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Marley Farley ]
     
    Marley Farley, Feb 8, 2006
    #15 Quote in Conversation
Page 1 of 3
Loading...
Similar Threads - Identify Prune Tree
  1. martinlest

    Solved Can anyone identify this exactly?

    martinlest, Sep 18, 2024 at 1:48 PM, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    339
    martinlest
    Sep 19, 2024 at 2:41 PM
  2. He who dares

    Solved Can anyone identify this for me?

    He who dares, Sep 3, 2024, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    12
    Views:
    626
    Silver surfer
    Sep 8, 2024
  3. Robert Bowen

    Can anyone help identify this please?

    Robert Bowen, Aug 28, 2024, in forum: Pests, Diseases and Cures
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    333
    waterbut
    Aug 28, 2024
  4. Leafylearner

    Solved help identifying 10 plants & care tips please.

    Leafylearner, Aug 19, 2024, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    362
    fairygirl
    Aug 20, 2024
  5. groundbeetle

    Can anyone identify these Cyclamens species?

    groundbeetle, Aug 8, 2024, in forum: Identification Area
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    283
    groundbeetle
    Aug 8, 2024

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice