Lousia Crabapple Out Of Control

Question

Hello, we have 4 beautiful weeping crabapple trees, that are sending out about as many upright branches as weeping ones. What should we do? I have been cutting off all of the upright ones each year, but the trees are getting taller and that is becoming harder to do. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You do need to continue to remove any upright branches. Check to make sure nothing is sprouting below the graft union. Those need to come out, too. Sometimes a branch below the graft will go unnoticed and soon it is overtaking the tree, likely with a different specimen.

If you can't reach with a pruning pole, the next option is to hire a professional. Here are pruning tips:

https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/docs/lawn-and-garden/in-house-publications/garden-maintenance/Pruning%20Weeping%20Trees%20and%20Shrubs.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crabapple/growing-louisa-crabapple-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crabapple/crabapple-pruning-info.htm