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Crimson Spire Columnar Oak #656692

Asked June 27, 2020, 9:52 AM EDT

I have a Crimson Spire Columnar Oak in between two Regal Prince Columnar Oaks and all three have been planted for two years and are about 15 feet tall. The top of the Crimson did not leaf out this year, although the bottom eight feet looks great. Also, there are sporadic small branches along the Regal Prince Oaks that did not leaf out either but the rest of the tree, from top to bottom looks great. We had a very hard freeze in October last fall. Should I trim the top of the Crimson and branches of the Regals and/or when is the best time of year to do that?

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Last fall's freeze event along with our mid-April record low temperatures were hard on plants within our Colorado landscapes. The three D’s (disease, damage and dead wood) will apply to your decision on whether or not to prune. If the top of the Crimson is not dead (and other branches are not dead), it is recommended to just leave it alone especially since it is the central leader (please refer to the links below regarding pruning central leaders). Ensure proper watering throughout the year, including in the fall and winter. I have included a link to some pruning information below.  Within this publication are additional links on how to make proper pruning cuts, etc. if you decide to prune.  I have also included a link on fall and winter watering.

https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1724-pruning-shade-trees/
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g6866
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/
Kind Regards, Replied July 07, 2020, 6:42 PM EDT

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