Re: Arbutus menziesii pruning

Dear Richard,

When I lived in Foresthill, CA (17 miles from Auburn) at about 2600 foot elevation, we used to have native Arbutus menziesii growing on our property.  Many of those natives were multi-trunked naturally.  I suspect other trees would fall on saplings or perhaps the snow load would break them off and they would sprout adventitious branches from the main trunk.  Some of the menziesii there were so large (you couldn't reach around the trunk with both arms) they had, what I called, small caves at the base of the trunk - these largest menziesii growing on the north side of the hill.

Many people in that neighborhood considered the menziesii a messy tree and would cut them down.  It was such a shame - I love the menziesii - it is so beautiful with so much to offer in one tree - beautiful cinnamon-colored, peeling bark, evergreen leaves, flowers, berries and an asymetrical growth pattern.!   We had a natural landscape on our property and I just left the leaf litter under our trees.

I understand the menziesii can be tricky to grow as a landscape tree and my experience has been they do not like to be pruned when they are older - so best pinch or cut the central leader when when they are young.  Good luck.

Linda Starr
Springville Lavender Gardens


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