Thanks for getting back to me so quickly DaisyI. You make good points.
Yes, we discussed the project before he started. And it was my understanding from the contractor that the four foot trees would grow tall over the next 5-10 years to form a tall privacy screen between the two yards, and it would look good from the neighbor's kitchen window, as well. To that end, I made sure he did not put them directly under the overhead wires.
And yes, I questioned the spacing of the trees. He told me they would fill in. I did not really realize until now that these trees need more space in between so they can grow. We don't want the leaves to die over time and thin out because there is not enough room. But I am less concerned about the planting distance, as I can remove every other tree and transplant them to extend the line.
You mentioned that he "stopped upward growth". That's my biggest concern.
If the leader is gone, how will the trees grow over the next 5 - 10 years? How can they grow straight and tall now? What effect does cutting off the leader have on these trees? Is there anything that can be done?
