Two questions, could someone identify what tree this is? the second question is whether this tree would remain alive and healthy if I decided to cut the tip off the tree to stop it from growing taller? Thank you in advance!
Pic is too small and blurred to tell exactly what, but not a pine; could be a yew, spruce or fir. Can you get a closer pic of the foliage? Cutting the tip off won't stop it growing taller (one or more of the side branches will bend up to form a new leader), but will spoil the shape, so not a good idea.
Picture is lifted directly from Google Maps Street view (you can see the address at the bottom of the small pic). I would imagine that is a breach of Google's copyright.
Hello again, the problem is I already stupidly cut off the tip of this tree in order to maintain it from growing too tall, does this mean i'll be getting an awkward shape at the tip in the future? here's a more detailed picture of the foilage to help identify it! thanks again in advance. :)
Looks to be a spruce. You can reduce the annual growth rate by shearing the new growth lightly each spring. This will extend the number of years it is possible to retain the tree in that position. However, this will also produce a more geometric, less natural appearance. And the tree has pretty much exceeded the space already.
Serbian Spruce. Yes, though with a bit of careful training it should be possible to minimise the impact.
Looks like you need a bigger yard for your tree there. You might be able to cut the bottom branches out to get it over the fence. It won't be as pretty, but it'll fit for a short time (until its roots start causing damage to nearby sidewalks). That fence is clearly in the way of your tree judging by that picture, so you could move the tree, find a way to get it to grow in a way that will not disturb the fence and/or pedestrians, or move the fence. Trees don't stop growing just because we want them to, only when they are kept small by people or their environment. If you go with moving it, keep in mind that it will get much much bigger if you let it and that you will need to find out how best to keep from damaging its roots. Moving it will, of course, be difficult with the proximity of the fence and sidewalk due to not being able to take a shovel to the ground around your tree far enough away to get enough roots. I found this which may be helpful if you take this route and have a spot to put it.
I believe this is a very good example of 'fair use' with regards to photography- even that which is copyrighted. ...And what Google has done with 'streetview' itself will probably be reason to redefine copyright and privacy laws.
Thanks everyone for the great advice and useful tips! I guess i'll have to maintain the top area and trim it down if a new leader decides to take the old ones place. Had no idea the serbian spruce was a rarity, how interesting!
Unfortunately, Canada has extremely restrictive "fair use" provisions. But, Google is quite friendly to university sites, so I'm fairly certain this will be ok in this instance.
