Monkey puzzle tree problem.

Discussion in 'Araucariaceae' started by Paddy McGann, Sep 24, 2011.

  1. Paddy McGann

    Paddy McGann Member

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    Location:
    ireland
    I bought house in 1972 with Monkey puzzle in front garden-about 20/25 feet tall.

    6/7 years ago my neighbour behind me reported something 'funny' on my roof.

    Monkey puzzle has restarted growing-it was planted circa 1930 -but was not increasing in height up to 2000 at least and was now very visable over house.
    It seems to be continusely growing-close to 40 feet tall.

    Will it stop growing?
    How high will it grow.
    Will the increased height increase risk of falling.
    The spread is barely inside my boundary-will it expand.

    Help Paddy DUBLIN IRELAND
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    They can get to 30 metres tall, though 15-20 metres is more usual in garden situations. Generally, they are very windfirm and hardly ever blow down, so I wouldn't be worried. The pause yours had in growth may have been due to its sensitivity to air pollution, with re-growth starting when clean air regulations started.

    One thing that's very common with Monkey-puzzles is for the older low branches to die off as they get shaded out by the higher branches, that's normal, not anything to worry about. Very old specimens (they can live to be several centuries old) end up with a long bare trunk with all the branches at the top (see this pic for example).
     

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