A bush into a tree - Knowledgebase Question

Wilson, NC (Zone 7B)
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Question by fkuhs
August 8, 2005
I planted a Chaste plant about 3 years ago and it has turned into a 12ft by 5 ft BUSH that I would like to prune into a tree! When would be the best time to do that


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Answer from NGA
August 8, 2005
Usually this is trained as a multistemmed small tree rather than a tree with just a single trunk. The reason is that it is really a bush that can be grown as a tree. It is usually better to start with one that has been trained this way from the start but you can try it. Next winter, trim out all but maybe three or four of the stems at ground level. Save ones that are sturdy, upright, and well spaced apart -- these will become the trunks. Then promtply remove any new shoots that come up from the ground. This should direct the plant's energy to the stems you have selected and develop them into "trunks". Over time you can clean off the lower portion of the trunks so they become bare like a tree a would be. Good luck with your project!

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