Japanese Elms sprouting numerous new leaves and branches, is this a concern?
Question:Our trees went through two major ice storms this year and lost many branches. We are suprised they have survived. Now that it is warm, leaves are growing like mad on these trees. They are bushy, it is so thick it almost looks like moss is growing on the tree from a small distance. The growth is all over, not just at the breaks, but all over the limbs and trunk. Should we be cutting this back or just let it go and see what happens in the years to come? I know nothing about plants and trees, I kill everything it is sad really. I was told these trees were Japanese Elms by my mother in law.
Answers:
Do nothing until fall This tree is desperately trying to revitalize itself.do nothing until it goes dormant this winter and then pick/cut off a few of the small limbs. Next summer lit go do it's thing until the following winter and then cut and reshape it successfully and without endangering your tree.
WOW - those are some hardy trees. A good general rule here is to encourage the plant to grow in thea areas you want it to and not have its system wasting energy and nutrients on leaves where you don't want them. So - yes - cut back the leaves/branches on the trunk to encourage more and healthier growth elsewhere. Good luck!
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