Phoenix - Trimming Young Vitex Tree

10 years ago

Hello. I just planted a Vitex tree I got from a friend (disclaimer - I know VERY little about gardening!). It's probably around one year old and about four feet tall. It has one main branch/trunk (that is slightly thicker than all the others) and about four other thick branches coming from the base. Each of these five or so thicker branches have many little branches coming off. Eventually, I want it to be a tall tree, so I know I will need to trim the smaller branches. My question is when can I start trimming all the little branches? I'm wondering if I should wait a while to ensure the tree roots well and is healthy (it was just planted yesterday). I did read in another thread not to prune for a year, but I'm not sure how long I should wait for this transplant since it's around a year old already. Thank you for any advice!

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10 years ago

The Vitex is a lovely tree!

I would absolutely wait until winter to do any pruning. Believe it or not, that is the best time to prune trees! As the person stated above- you will eventually choose at least 3 main trunks. Take a look at Vitex trees in Google images to get a picture in your head of what you would like it to eventually look like.

In the winter, remove all suckers, weak lower branches, crossing branches to help shape the tree. If you work hard now at pruning correctly you will have to do less when the tree matures.

Making tree cuts correctly is extremely important. If you look at the crotch between branches you will notice a rough area right at the connection of the branches. This is called the branch bark ridge and it is so important NOT to ever cut into this. It is the part of the branch that helps the tree heal properly from cuts.

You want to make a diagonal cut directly outside of the branch bark ridge. If the branch is thick you want to do a 3 cut method cut. 1-cut diagonally from top to middle, 2 cut diagonally from bottom to middle, 3-cut right through. This avoid tearing any of the bark which can lead to the tree getting sick because of the open wound.

Hope this helps-it is a bit difficult to explain in writing. I train all my clients in trimming properly in order to sustain and enable the tree to grow and live for many years! :)

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Comments (7)

iandyaz
10 years ago
I would definitely give it time if it was just planted.. it may struggle a little in it's first summer. I would wait until late winter when the leaves have been off for a month or two, that's generally the best time to prune deciduous trees.

Decide early on which ones will be the "main" trunk(s) and prune others off, and cut off suckers that pop up from the base area. I've heard trees are a little healthier when they have more than 1 trunk if they are that type of plant, so I'm going for 2-4 main trunks,. I'm doing this as well with a vitex and a crepe myrtle right now so I'm still kinda learning it as well.
musicbc thanked iandyaz
musicbc
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the tips! Much appreciated!
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musicbc
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow, thank you so much for all the help!! Great information :)
musicbc
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi all, just posting an update. I planted my Vitex tree in March, and it has done AMAZING through the summer here in Phoenix, and it was a hot one! The tree is at least a third bigger than when planted. Currently, it has many purple flowers and the bees are loving it! I really want to trim it, but I'm taking the great advice here and waiting until winter. Thanks again! Quick question if anyone is still reading. In the summer, I gave it a really good soak/water around once a week (the first couple months, I actually did this a couple times a week). Should I continue a once-a-week soak in the winter?
iandyaz
10 years ago
Great to hear! Mine really took off in the summer as well, it's in the hottest part of my yard too. It's basically an oven in that corner I planted it into.

Once it loses it's leaves definitely cut back on watering.. Unless we get no rain this winter, I'd not even water it at all once the leaves drop.
musicbc
Original Author
10 years ago
Sounds good. Thanks again!