How to prune this small tree?

[Quhet]

The tree is a Rowan/mountain ash which we put in 3 years ago. It's not grown much on height but continues to push out side limbs and branches which grow from the bottom.

What's the best way to prune it to encourage upward growth. Is it just a case of cutting off the lower limbs?

[Andeh1]

I'd prob just remove the bottom 50% of sideways growth, make it look like a tree!

IANAL though!

[xx99xx]

Also not an expert, but most plants grow new shoots from where they've been pruned. So maybe cut a bit off the top and new shoots will grow from that cut point.

[PArbor1]

Just prune the 5 lowest branches and mulch around the base. Leave the main leader.

[Simpo Two]

PArbor1 said:

Just prune the 5 lowest branches and mulch around the base. Leave the main leader.

By the looks of it it's already lost the centre leader, either an accident or perhaps to make it bush out.

[Quhet]

Simpo Two said:

By the looks of it it's already lost the centre leader, either an accident or perhaps to make it bush out.

The top was damaged by builders last year, had started to bush out before this though.

I'll remove the bottom branches. Just wasn't sure if I was overthinking it an wasd worried it would stress such a young tree etc.

[Landlubber]

Problem is with no main leader if you try and arsing that branch into a leader it's gonna be a massive wealth spot later. Unless you have an emotional tie to it i would replace it.

[Andeh1]

I'd still vote for cutting the lowest 8 branches from my count, and see how it gets on. Pretty sure it will look fine!


That location doesn't look ideal for a big tree.

[Palmela]

I'd remove the lower branches, as others have said. As also said, that's a pretty small space for a rowan by the looks of it. My final comment is that rowans can be pretty messy, especially as the berries start to drop.

I'd probably look to replace it with something smaller and prettier.

[PArbor1]

The main leader has broken, but the one that is there is becoming the new main leader due to apical dominance.

[Simpo Two]

Quhet said:

The top was damaged by builders last year.

There's something about builders, they seem genetically programmed to damage trees.

Landlubber said:

Problem is with no main leader if you try and arsing that branch into a leader it's gonna be a massive wealth spot later

What's a wealth spot?

[Sheets Tabuer]

Are you hoping to keep it small? not sure I'd want a tree that can grow to 40 feet that close to my house.

Normally if you want something to grow tall you cut off the side shoots, if you want it bushy you cut off the top.

[Quhet]

Hmm, thanks all for your comments. The tree itself is a Sorbus 'olympic flame' so shouldn't get too big (I think?). It's a few metres from the house and I wasn't overly worried about anything damage from roots etc when it went in. Should be fine right...?

I'll give the lower limbs a prune and see how we go.