Question From:
Derek Williams in Perth, Perth Western Australia
Nature of problem:
ANNUAL TREE PRUNING OF PENCIL PINES
Type of Plant (if known):
CYPRESS PENCIL PINES
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
NOW GOING BUSHY AFTER TOPPING AND TRIMMING ? TWICE
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
SANDY SOIL
How often do you water the plant:
DON’T WATER
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
OUT IN SUNLIGHT
How long since you planted it:
10 YEARS
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
NO
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
OUT DOORS
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
TREES ARE 8 IN A LINE IN THE GROUND
What other treatments have you given the plant:
NONE
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer:
Hi Derek,
I guess that by now you have discovered that cutting the top off a pencil pine destroys its pencil geometry. The tip regulates all of the lower growth areas – pruning the tip off is not recommended since it allows the lower branches to grow in an unruly manner. From now on you must annually try to tidy up the unruly growth as best you can. Can I suggest that you also install an irrigation system along the line of trees, one or two sprinkler heads per plant. Don
