Hallson Gardens

Hi friends,
It’s almost spring and new season is upon us. I hope everyone had a pleasant winter. After studying the Niwaki book by Jake Hobson, I have some questions about my Prunus serrulata, 'Kwanzan'. I planted it in fall 06 and it had it’s first bloom with me last spring, so this May will be it’s second. I feel it has established well. Now I would like to train and prune it. On page 114-115 in the Niwaki book, Jake explains how to train and prune a Prunus mume. I know they are a different species, but I would love to do something Japanese to my 'Kwanzan.' My tree is about 7 feet tall and about an 1 ½ inches thick in the trunk, maybe 2 inches at the base. Do you think the method on p. 115 is TOO HARSH? I don’t know if it would be appropriate to cut the central leader. I don't mind though if you think it will work. What do you think the potential is for this tree? If I shouldn’t use this method, what do you suggest?

Hi Jason,
I have just looked up page 115 in Jakes book and YES I would go for it by taking all those lower branches off, and if you think it has reached the height that you want prune the leader if not wait until it is at the desired height and then prune it, I am sure in the coming years you will be glad that you prunned it in that style.
George.

Hey George,
Nice to hear from you again and thanks for looking up the page. That's great you think I should do it. I've been thinking about it for a while. I just don't know where I should start. Do you think the 6 foot range would look good someday? Would you prune up to this point and tie it down?

OK...I've got an idea. Sorry about my art work. I wish I had photoshop. But anyways, I'm thinking the reverse of the picture on page 115 might work better on my tree. What do you think? If you see something else, please tell me.
Thanks!

Oops...I just went outside and tried out my idea and I don't think the LEFT branch will work as well as the picture showed. The LEFT branch points more posterior, toward the fence rather than lateral LEFT like I thought. I'm stumped now. I do like the branch on the upper right though. It does point a little posterior, but it's not too bad.

Hi Jason,
This is what I think that I would do going by your photo's, I know it is a bit drastic but what you do now will set the shape for the future but instead of two branches I would keep the three and if you later on in the year prune the branches to a downwood spur the shape will gradually be enhanced,
OKAY it is allright me saying these things it's not my cherry, BUT if you don't try these things it is just another cherry tree nothing special.
George.

Hey George,
I like your moves. I didn't even think of using blue paint for erasing. Very artistic. It's dark out now, so I'll poke at the tree tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
J

Jeepers George
Even I understand what you mean there

OK...I did the deed.
Just kiddin'. I did exactly as you suggested George. It worked out perfectly. I liked the rotation of those 3 branches. I need to wait for warmer weather to tie them down. It's been freezing lately. Cheers George and I'll keep you all posted.

Hi Jason,
You're a very brave man.Keep us posted.
George.

Oh, that will be great..even for an non Japanese garden

thy - Thanks for the support!

So how did it turn out?

largosmom wrote:So how did it turn out?

Hi! I still havn't tied the 3 limbs down yet. I will do it in a few weeks when it warms up. We've had a cold spring so far. I'll be sure to post pics. I am interested in how it will flower. Thanks for asking.

(nawaki update)

I took pictures today of the beautiful blossoms. There is not many of them, but I'm still enjoying hanami. What do you guys think?

Hi Jason,
Looking good and when the secondary branches srprout from the three main branches it will have a nice canopy and it will look better year on year
Well done.
George.

Hello Mr.Hanami...
I was reading your post about your prunus, and I am wondering how does it looks like now (2011)... could you please post a new picture? I just bought my own, and I would like to stars prunning...
Thanks!!