I just read something on growth reaction and it confused me. I have several trees that I want to encourage upright growth.. I don't want them fatter and I don't need the lower growth especially. My natural reaction is to prune the lower branches to attain the shape I want. Now, what will this do to growth. How will the tree react to this in growth? Does the tree put more energy into other areas or does this encourage more growth (down low) where I don't want it? Thank you !!!
The only pruning I ever do with japanese maples is to remove the lower branches and possibly to thin out criss crossing branches each year (and of course, dead wood (die back) Removing the lower branches will help the tree develop and will enable the roots to stimulate growth in the remainder of the tree
