Podocarpus Maki help

11 years ago

Hello, I just planted 40 5ft podocarpus maki bushes to grow a privacy hedge I have been searching for info on when to remove the stakes. I removed them after planting as they looked like they wanted some air. Lol I am just curious if I should stake a few to help them grow upwards or just let them grow naturally and when they run into each other they will grow up. I'm looking to make a 8-10' hedge that is full. Any help is appreciated

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Steve Roush
Original Author

11 years ago

Sorry was in the middle of cooking when I posted this and couldn't get the pic to post so I had to take a pic and was inside screen. Anyhow. Thanks for the reply.

I have them spaced 3ft on center and then 2.5ft in the front. I read that was the spacing for making a nice privacy hedge. I also read to train them into a bushy hedge to start trimming early so that the limbs will grow shoots closer in the body and not out at the ends of the limbs.

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Comments (6)

UpperBayGardener (zone 7)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
No need to stake them.

They seem too close together.

Why the net effect?
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
no pruning a recent transplant for two years.. IMHO ... let the root mass get fully established.. before you go cutting off the food making machines.. the leaves ..

crikey dude ... as you said.. THEY WERE JUST PLANTED... except for a hose .. back of man ... lol ...

BTW .. if they are shipping stakes.. they are removed at planting.. shipping is done ... i cant see them on this pic.. perhaps when dinner is done... you can give us a close up ..

with trees and shrubs.. and wind breaks.. sight blocks.. you have to avoid thinking instant gratification ... and think in terms of tree or shrub years ...

maybe it a little faster in your area .. but still .... JUST PLANTED ...

ken
Steve Roush
Original Author
11 years ago

I un-staked all of them and put a stake on two that a limb was a bit to heavy for the base.

Thanks for the replies. Just want sure about leaving them in to make a nice hedge. I guess I will not prune them for a long time then. Plan is to make an 8ft hedge. I understand they are moderate growers but I read they are 4-6 inches 6 months to a year so if thats side and top I would be very happy but I will just wait and see. lol
Embothrium
11 years ago
Take away stakes and tie onto fence.
Arnie Graham
10 years ago
I just purchased some Podocarpus Maki. I am wondering how the 3 foot spacing from center worked for you as far as hedge density? Thanks.