Mugo Pine: Keep it Small or Let it Grow

[@carpy1252]

I never knew that pumilo could be trained to have such tiny and dense foliage like that, amazing.

[@SurvivalBetty]

Excellent video, very informative, and the specific pruning for each variety is much appreciated!

[@doggiesarus]

Thanks. I have become something of a mugo pine collector. I still don't know if I want to trim them yet.

[@slyster12]

Great video, straight to the point. Thank you.

[@manxman5825]

Very helpful thank you.

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

Wonderful video!! Thank you.

[@pagodad8079]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

I could never do that 3:25 so I guess all my pines will be what they will be 😁

[@jaclynvonahsen4548]

Thank you so much for this video! I am wondering about the dead branches underneath the mugo pine; if the dead growth was cut into and exposed, is it possible to eventually grow back in? and how long would it take to recover? Thanks!

[@gardenhike]

In my opinion, no, it will not grow back. But depending on where you have cut it back, healthy needles around the “scalped” area can fill in these areas. This can take several years.

[@MadiC714]

Could you do this type of hard pruning to a globe Blue spruce as well? Thanks!

[@gardenhike]

Yes. Depending on the variety though, it may not be quite as “tight”.

[@pagodad8079]

I’m curious to know your thoughts or experience on Dakota pinnacle birch and it’s longevity and resistance to birch beatle? Another NDSU product.

[@gardenhike]

I removed three nice Dakota Pinnacles a couple of years ago after severe winter dieback. The dieback was from the winter (since Birch suffered across the region), but I suspect the Borer was present. I will not be planting another one. I think Parkland Pillar is a better Birch but more narrow. As far as longevity goes, there are less risky trees to grow. It is said that Birch will be fine and the Borer will leave them alone if they are not stressed. Keeping them from being stressed is the tricky part.

[@pagodad8079]

@@gardenhike thanks for the reply. I’ve got four of them in a 4 clump form which I treat with an insecticide every spring, zone 4 here. They’re close to 25’ tall already. I am a bit worried after reading what happened to yours and after seeing them not make it in another yard across town from me. I guess time will tell with mine.

[@SleepyKittens]

I had some rabbit damage on my (about 2 ft up) on my Tannebaum branches, bit lopsided now, but it's good to know if such damage occurs elsewhere, I might be able to possibly encourage lateral growth and help fill out. Are rabbits more attracted to pine than other conifers? softer needles? My Uncle Foggy also sustained permanent munching damage.

[@gardenhike]

I’ve seen them go after Spruce and Arborvitae too. I think it is a matter of how severe the winter is, and what food is available. Frustrating!

[@paigeburton8995]

thank you does this tree have a nice pine smell to it?

[@gardenhike]

I sure notice the nice fragrance when pruning, but not so much when just brushing up against it like you get with a Fir or Cedar tree.

[@djratino]

I bought one from Home Depot 2 years ago. My growth seems to be stunted. It's not in a flowerpot. I've tried Miracle Grow for Azaleas. Got any idea how to boost the growth?

[@gardenhike]

Beyond the fertilizing you have done, determine that your soil is healthy. The only way to know for sure is to have a soil test done. Along with nutrient levels, check for proper pH and salt levels. Extreme dry or extreme wet can also cause problems. It is best to have at least 4-6 hours of direct sun each day for Mugos. If everything checks out on that list, it’s possible you have a dwarf variety that grows very slow.

[@kssh6303]

👍👍👍