I have attached a picture of my smoke bush which I planted last year. You will notice the tall branch in the middle and I am wondering if I should cut it back to the same size as the rest of the bush. Thanks
hi Miry - I am by no means an arborist or pruning expert - I know my experience is that sometimes a much taller shoot comes up out of my vine maples (acer circinatum) not long after acquiring them from the nursery and planting them in the garden --- and then the next year it all grows in - kind of a teenager plant! i wonder if it has something to do with the care (good I assume) at the nursery and the wholesale - and then it gets to stretch its legs so to speak out of a pot. so - i think i'd wait on it before cutting bits off it. ie maybe leave it for now - and see what happens this coming growing season 2015. the smokebush is common around Gibsons and appears to do well - have you allowed space for full growth - I think there is one at the base of the Bluff - on the marina side near the little lane. (Bay Road / Headlands Road / Skyline) it has survived thru thick and thin - one big wet snow fall (or was it wind?) knocked it over and it's been rejuvenated. That was at least 15 years ago I think. I'll have to see if it's still there next time we're there. \ here is an interesting (lively) thread about similar question - from a few years ago on this forum have you ever read up on this group http://www.plantamnesty.org/ - I think "city street trees" are one of their main concerns - and then some home diy'ers need to be reined in too ; ) here's the smoke bush thread from a few years ago - http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=53036
