When And What To Trim

Question

When planted, too much watered in, 6 yrs ago. The advise was to not trim for awhile. Now it hasn’t been trimmed at all, and there are suckers and ivy at the base. There was so much rain this winter that it’s crown is not greening up. So, my question is, should the ivy be cut way back because it’s keeping water in the soil, and also, is it safe to trim off the suckers and/or lower branches this late in this zone, 9b? Is there a charge for correct advise? Lots of other pepper trees in my neighborhood are looking great. Mine looks like it’s going to die.

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Answer 1

It is ok to trim off the suckers at any time. I would take soils samples before doing any work though. That ivy may be keeping in precious moisture that it needs. There may be a soil nutrient or pH issue, though.

Once you know for sure, you can begin corrective action. These articles will help you to take soil tests:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm

This article will help you with the care of your tree:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pepper-tree/california-pepper-tree-care.htm