Question From:
Jane McMillan in Nashdale , Orange NSW
Nature of problem:
We are about to exchange on a property here in Nashdale. It has a rather large beautiful lemon scented gum. How far back can we trim this tree. We don’t want to loose it but wondering if we can trim it as its quiet high
Type of Plant (if known):
Lemon scented gum
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
No illness
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Rich from mount canobolas
How often do you water the plant:
Nil
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
All day
What type of plant is it:
Lemon scented gum
How long since you planted it:
Unknown
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoor
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nil
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer: Hi Jane, Yes you can prune a Lemon Scented gum whenever you like – it will do it no harm. Personally I wouldn’t though. Their natural growth habit is tall & open. I wouldn’t say that prunuing a Lemon scented gum is to “Kill a Mockingbird”, but it is similar. You may well be robbing local bird species like Peewees or parrots of their prize vesting tree. You might also be alienating local neighbours by robbing them of a prized landmark….large trees belong to the neighbourhood, not just the property they are growing on….Sorry to be a nag, Don
