Re: Pruning Acacia podalyriifolia...

K:

1)  I'm sure San Marcos nursery means that it will
take "regular" pruning, as in shearing and hedging and
the like.  With the exception of those familiar trees
that are pollarded (sycamores, mulberries< and so on),
I don't think many plants respond well to having large
branches chopped to nubbins.  I also think that their
definition of heavy pruning means that it produces
branches so prolifically (hence, it's value as a
formal hedge), that it will allow its owner to prune
out WHOLE branches (back to the main) on a regular
basis.

I've seen this species pruned as a semi-informal
hedge.  Where it was pruned REAL hard on the plant, it
showed some non-response bare branches.

2)  The practice of applying "pruning paint" to cuts
was debunked some years ago.  Keeping in mind to use a
SHARP pruning tool and pruning back CLEANLY to a bud
or the main (or another branch) minimizes disease and
insect entrance as well as, if not better than,
painting.  It also allows the plant itself to heal
much more quickly.

Joe Seals
Santa Maria
--- Krzysztof Kozminski <kk@kozminski.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> My A.podalyriifolia is getting more & more
> assymetrical, with about 75% of
> all branch mass on the south side of the tree. 
> According the San Marcos
> growers, it responds well to heavy pruning, but just
> to be certain, I
> would appreciate if anyone could share any positive
> or negative
> experiences with pruning this acacia.  In
> particular, since I will
> probably have to prune some branches nearly 2 inches
> thick, I am wondering
> whether to seal or not to seal the cuts (I'd hate
> having the black sealant
> on this tree...).
> 
> KK
> ====================
> "Microsoft is to software what McDonalds is to
> gourmet cooking"
> 
> Krzysztof Kozminski
> kk@kozminski.com
> http://www.kozminski.com/
> 


=====
Joe Seals
Santa Maria, Calilfornia --
where the weather is always perfect
and my garden always has something blooming

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