We have a bunch of weeping willows that have branches growing out of them from the very bottom. There is probably 50 or more branches growing straight out for the first 2 feet or so up on the trees... Is that normal for 5-7 year old trees ? Also they have only grown to about 15 feet high in this time too ? They are in a very wet drainage area so they are getting plenty of water, they get a lot of sun too ... I guess my question is how far up should we remove the branches ?
Are they actual branches - coming off the main trunk? If not, and are growing up right beside it (from buried roots), they are 'suckers' and should be cut back to keep energy going to the main tree (and keep it looking better). This is common with many deciduous trees (look at some apples planted in fields).
No they are not suckers, they are growing out of the side of the trunk. The branches on the tree actually start from the ground and go all the way up the trunk.
Nursery trained them as trees, with elevated crowns and for whatever reason on the site they got planted on they are being prompted to sprout from the trunks and grow shrubby (multistem). If the tree shape is required and the original tops are not dying back then prune the trunk sprouts off. If, on the other hand the original high tops appear to be failing and being replaced by new ones from lower down it might be better to not interfere with this process. Otherwise, you may end up burning a candle at both ends: losing the original top and cutting off the replacements at the same time.
