We purchased and planted a Monkey Puzzle tree with 2 whorls of branches and the 3rd whorl of branch initials set. The distances between ground or branch whorls was 9 inches, 4 inches and 8 inches, perfectly normal lengths. In the first year of new growth, the set new branches grew as expected, but the main trunk added 41 inches before stopping and setting the next whorl of branches. The following year, those branches grew, the trunk added another 31 inches, but did not set any new branches. This year, the trunk added another 19 inches, and has set branch initials. The tree looks very healthy, but rediculously elongated! All other local (Duncan area on Vancouver Island) trees show perfectly normal stem elongations. Any suggestions for cause and possible reversal of this growth pattern? The tree gets full sun for about 60% of the day during the growing season.
Probably just random individual variation. Unlike with e.g. pines or spruces, the internode length is not related to either vigour or time.
