Identify & Prune Tree

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

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  1. MJ

    MJ Apprentice Gardener

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    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
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  2. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

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    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
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  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  4. pete

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

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    I thought it looks a bit like one of those shrubby magnolias [​IMG]
     
    pete, Feb 7, 2006
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  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  6. pete

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

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    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
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  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  8. rudham1

    rudham1 Gardener

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    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
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  9. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  10. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

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    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
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  11. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  12. Liz

    Liz Gardener

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    How about Hornbeam or whitebeam? I think ash buds are bigger.
     
    Liz, Feb 8, 2006
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  13. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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  14. MJ

    MJ Apprentice Gardener

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    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
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  15. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​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
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