Q.Bottle Brush
We planted 5 Bottle Brush in good soil about 3 months ago. They were about 4′ when we put them in. They are growing very fast. The issue I am having is when they grow upward they get new shoots on them in a matter of weeks (usually about 6 to 8 inches) then the new growth starts to bend over and within another week or two they break off. This has been going on for about the last 2 months. I am trying to get them up to about 8′ for privacy. Should I be trimming these new shoots to keep them upright or just let them be ? I have a soaker hose on them and try to keep the soil moist. I live in SE South Carolina.
Some trees that are fast growing, such as Bottle Brush Trees, have a tendency to break off branches easily.
Pruning can help with shape and health of your shrubs though you need to prune at the appropriate time.
These articles have more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/pruning-bottlebrush-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/dry-brittle-tree-branches.htm
