Hello all, first post - but I am a long time lurker and have done a lot of my research here. To cut to the chase, I am a tree guy in general, but usually purchase larger, specimen sized trees. I have about 5 nice sized AP's - but I suspect I will be getting into a larger home in the next 3-5 years, so this year I decided to pick up some smaller, more mobile trees, and reduce my losses when I move. So this year I have added some seedlings, and 4-5 smaller trees of various sizes - the last one I added (today) was a 1" dia AP Purple Ghost. I ordered this tree sight unseen from a nursery, and while I am not unhappy with my purchase, I am unsure what to do with it. The tree is about 6' x 6' but, very leggy and almost weeping. There is a lot of long shaggy growth on the bottom and the main leader is doubled over. I don't feel great about the tree, but at this point I want to make the best of it. So my question to the group is - what do I do with this, attempt to stake up the central leader? I would need a stake about 10' tall to run the central leader fully upright. Do I just let it be? Anyway, I am going to get it potted tonight - but I am somewhat puzzled as to what direction I should go with this oddly shaped tree. Thanks for any input. Best Regards, CSL
Hi and welcome. Your 'Purple Ghost' looks like it was heavily fertilized and grown in a protected environment such as a polytunnel or greenhouse. If it was my tree I would heavily prune it back to a nice structure in the fall after the leaves have dropped. In the meantime, you may have to prune to reduce the weight at the end of some of the branches and perhaps the main stem, if the branches do not seem as if they could support the weight during a heavy rainstorm for example. Just my thoughts, maybe others have more to add.
Agree with MAF. Some nurseries are actually growning these trees like you would grape vines. They have wire lattice strung up in rows and they tie the plants up to it as they grow. They over-fertilize them so they will grow abnormally fast and the nursery can then claim a certain "height" when they sell the plant (and charge more for it). But this is an illusion because the plant is just a few leggy, floppy limbs like what you see. I've gotten several trees like this and the best thing you can do is prop it up for the first season, then give it a good pruning in the fall. This is a vigorous plant, so it will bounce back very quickly, and look better too. Also, don't fertilize for a few years or you will continue to get leggy growth.
So now that I have potted the tree and put it into a position next to my Orange Dream, I am even more saddened by what this tree looks like. I don't ever recall seeing a tree look like this unless it was a weeping variety. In general, it is a mess, and the grape vine description seems to apply here. I have attached a number of additional photos to show what I am dealing with a little more clearly. I just don't see how this will ever have a natural form, primarily because I am going to have to cut back into some rather thick branches to get the tree to start over. To answer MAFs post - the tree can't support its own weight as is, in a rain storm it will certainly have the lower limbs touching the ground. My biggest worry is what to do with the leader - do I just lop off the entire portion where is droops over? This will clearly make the form of the tree highly unsightly and unnatural, no? Appreciate the opinions and help on this issue. Best Regards, CSL
Well, I would not worry so much, your tree may get back to a nice shape but you need to be patient. You did the right thin staking the main leader. You can also prune off now those thin weeping twigs that look so unnatural. In the Fall or Winter (see FAQ on pruning) you may trim it even further to get it back into a more compact shape as suggested by Maf. Next year you will pinch off all new vertical growth to encourage bushiness below and in two seasons your tree will look very much like your Orange Dream. Gomero
Thank you for the input, but I have to admit I am still somewhat worried about cutting the central leader on the tree - I may let it be and bring the lower growth in check come fall. Best Regards, CSL
