Cut of Not Cut? - Ask Extension
See pictures of our healthy Chinese Kousa Dogwood and the not so healthy one. Should I cut the dead stubs off the not so healthy one that is not growi...
Knowledgebase
Cut of Not Cut? #800929
Asked July 13, 2022, 2:20 PM EDT
See pictures of our healthy Chinese Kousa Dogwood and the not so healthy one.
Should I cut the dead stubs off the not so healthy one that is not growing upward this summer as the other one is?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, you can cut the branch stubs back to just above this year's growth.
Also, consider looking into why the smaller tree is growing less vigorously. The most likely causes in our soils are deep planting and girdling roots, both of which prevent good root function.
check the depth of the first structural (lateral) roots at about 8 inches from the trunk of the tree. They should be 1-2 inches below the soil surface. While investigating, check for girdling/circling roots.
Also verify that the two trees are getting the same amount of water applied at the dripline of the tree.
References
Best,
Mari Hackbarth
Yes, you can cut the branch stubs back to just above this year's growth.
Also, consider looking into why the smaller tree is growing less vigorously. The most likely causes in our soils are deep planting and girdling roots, both of which prevent good root function.
check the depth of the first structural (lateral) roots at about 8 inches from the trunk of the tree. They should be 1-2 inches below the soil surface. While investigating, check for girdling/circling roots.
Also verify that the two trees are getting the same amount of water applied at the dripline of the tree.
References
- Healthy roots and healthy trees https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02926.pdf
- Getting to the Root of Plant Problems https://hgic.clemson.edu/getting-to-the-root-of-plant-problems/
- Deep planting and Girdling Roots https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=45
Best,
Mari Hackbarth
