Author Topic: Lateralizing Branch Experiment- Success (Read 5971 times)

MarinFla · « **on:** May 10, 2012, 11:16:52 PM »

Some of you may have seen the post I started on the old GW where I decided to lateralize the upright limbs on the Keitt tree I planted in the ground in August 2010. (Here is a link to the old post : http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tropicalfruits/msg0421125121584.html )

Here are the pictures before, during and now. I am very pleased with the results. All of the tie downs were removed starting 4-5 months ago and the branches have not tried to rebound. The canopy is taking on a nice open, airy and rounded shape

BEFORE: 3/11

DURING: 4/11

NOW: 3/12

ps those are jakfruit seedlings in the pots underneath

MarinFla · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2012, 11:21:28 PM »

I forgot to mention that I gently tip pruned the terminal bud out from the end of almost every branch of new growth to get it to fill out the way it has.

lkailburn · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2012, 11:24:37 PM »

Wow the Now photo looks fantastic. Nicely done!

-Luke

Guanabanus · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2012, 12:52:30 AM »

Looks great.

I've also seen this done by hanging various sizes of water bottles from branches, with the wire or string run through pieces of old garden hose to avoid injury to the bark.

bsbullie · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2012, 06:28:19 AM »

Since Keitt naturally develops an open growth habit with its branches as it ages, could this enhance the "open growing" nature of a Keitt further and cause possible strength issues with these branches ?

MarinFla · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2012, 07:01:52 AM »

Quote from: bsbullie on May 11, 2012, 06:28:19 AM

Since Keitt naturally develops an open growth habit with its branches as it ages, could this enhance the "open growing" nature of a Keitt further and cause possible strength issues with these branches ?

Hopefully not. By doing this I brought the bottom of the canopy and crotch of the tree to 3 1/2 ft above the ground. The way it was growing before it was already at 6-1/2 feet tall and growing high but very narrow. By the time it got wider it would have grown ridiculously high. I am planning to try to keep it at a manageable height. Hopefully we won't have any Cat 4 or 5 hurricanes any time soon to test that!

Thanks Har and Luke.

Guanabanus · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2012, 08:07:40 AM »

Actually, 90-degree-angle crotches are STRONGER than narrower angles, and branches growing nearer the ground are in slower winds than branches above the fencelines and rooflines.

bsbullie · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2012, 08:26:24 AM »

My comment had nothing to do with the strength in strong winds (or hurricanes), it had to do with the natural growth habot of a Keitt. Since Keitt naturally has an open spreading growth habit as the tree gets older (and Keitt's branches get rather hefty), will a "double spreading" issue arise since it is spread open now and will want to naturally spread open. Just a thought, no facts or definite determinations at this point.

MarinFla · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2012, 10:43:47 AM »

Quote from: bsbullie on May 11, 2012, 08:26:24 AM

My comment had nothing to do with the strength in strong winds (or hurricanes), it had to do with the natural growth habot of a Keitt. Since Keitt naturally has an open spreading growth habit as the tree gets older (and Keitt's branches get rather hefty), will a "double spreading" issue arise since it is spread open now and will want to naturally spread open. Just a thought, no facts or definite determinations at this point.

Rob I understood you thoughts but I think the thickness of the branches and how low they are will be no different than had it spread out on its own higher up. I don't expect a 'doubling' of the spreading effect. I think I just speeded up the process and lowered the canopy before the tree became very tall. I don't think the weight of a nice crop of mangoes will be a worry but Hurricane force winds do pose a threat and a worry at any level that is the only reason why I mentioned strong winds. Time will let us see how this pans out....I will keep a development diary of the tree and if I have any issues with limb loss or breakage.

MarinFla · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2012, 10:46:41 AM »

Quote from: Guanabanus on May 11, 2012, 12:52:30 AM

Looks great.

I've also seen this done by hanging various sizes of water bottles from branches, with the wire or string run through pieces of old garden hose to avoid injury to the bark.

Har I really like your idea!! Protects the bark and keeps the landscapers from trying to chop my ties. You can tie the bottles high enough to allow the mowers and whackers to go under them! I will try that next time!

simon_grow · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2012, 04:12:22 PM »

Your tree is absolutely beautiful. It was very tall and upright before you trained it and now its absolutely perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Simon

Cookie Monster · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2012, 05:09:00 PM »

Looks excellent. Good work. Keep up the tip pruning. In a couple of years, you'll also want to start removing larger limbs (Dr Campbell has a video that better explains it).

A well kept (consistently pruned) keitt will produce gobs of fruit that will snap branches. I've been frustrated time and again with dozens of lost keitts due to broken branches. But, this is a problem whether the limbs are upright or horizontal. Fifteen 3+ pound fruits hanging from a branch is a bit too much, especially when the wind starts blowing :-).

FlyingFoxFruits · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2012, 05:30:29 PM »

Marin,

the trees look amazing! u r convincing me to prune my mangoes!!

great job!

thanks for posting

Jackfruitwhisperer69 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2012, 05:45:30 PM »

Hi Marin,

The Mango looks awesome...luv the garden in the background

THX for sharing!

amrkhalido · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2012, 07:48:36 PM »

Great looking tree ,, and when it fruits it sure will be more good looking with such wide and symmetric branches ,,

Amr

MarinFla · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2012, 11:55:44 AM »

Thanks everyone for the nice words. I will post another follow up picture in 6mos to a year from now to see the progress.
I feel inspired!

samuelforest · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2012, 12:31:19 PM »

You inspired me too, I just did it on my mango tree to make it more compact.

natsgarden123 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2012, 10:48:53 PM »

Quote from: MarinFla on May 11, 2012, 10:46:41 AM

Quote from: Guanabanus on May 11, 2012, 12:52:30 AM
Looks great.

I've also seen this done by hanging various sizes of water bottles from branches, with the wire or string run through pieces of old garden hose to avoid injury to the bark.

Har I really like your idea!! Protects the bark and keeps the landscapers from trying to chop my ties. You can tie the bottles high enough to allow the mowers and whackers to go under them! I will try that next time!

Id like to see what my HOA would say with that hanging bottle idea!

Marin-your tree is really beautiful, as is your garden.

MarinFla · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2012, 09:55:41 AM »

Quote from: natsgarden123 on May 12, 2012, 10:48:53 PM

Quote from: MarinFla on May 11, 2012, 10:46:41 AM
Quote from: Guanabanus on May 11, 2012, 12:52:30 AM
Looks great.

I've also seen this done by hanging various sizes of water bottles from branches, with the wire or string run through pieces of old garden hose to avoid injury to the bark.

Har I really like your idea!! Protects the bark and keeps the landscapers from trying to chop my ties. You can tie the bottles high enough to allow the mowers and whackers to go under them! I will try that next time!
Id like to see what my HOA would say with that hanging bottle idea!

Marin-your tree is really beautiful, as is your garden.

Natalie I bet the HOA wouldn't complain if you used clear bottles with the labels removed and filled them with pretty colored water..... tree art

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Author Topic: Lateralizing Branch Experiment- Success (Read 5971 times)

natsgarden123