Do robinias need pruning?

Discussion in 'Woody Plants' started by stacey, Nov 13, 2006.

  1. stacey

    stacey Member

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    I have a lovely robinia freesia pseudoacacia in my back garden. I planted it 2 years ago when it was about 6 or 7 feet tall. This year it almost doubled its height, all growth coming from a fork about six feet above the ground. Is this rate of growth normal? I am concerned that the tree is growing too quickly and will not stand up to a great gust of wind. I am also wondering if it is growing so quickly because I pruned off the 4 branches (appox 1" diameter) that were growing on the first 4 feet of the trunk. The growth spurt occurred after the pruning which I did in June. I am an avid novice gardener and not big on unnecessary work. Should I leave well enough alone, or does my robinia need attention?
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'. It's normal for these to take off. It's also normal for them to be brittle. Sometimes young locusts do break apart. Try looking at pruning books at the library, to see what pruning and training of young specimens of locusts is recommended.
     
  3. oscar

    oscar Active Member

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    Like Ron said they are brittle, and a fork sounds like a bad thing to me....I'd select the strongest of the 2 leaders and reduce the smaller.
     

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