Learn how to prune a shrub into a tree form. With Norman from Rockledge Gardens.

[@Loukevsky]

I think I just found my new passion, turning shrubs into trees.

[@stupedcraig]

Thanks for the vid! I'm working on getting a Simpson Stopper as a tree.

[@joyraies4623]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge! Would you please make another demonstration? This time on creating a multi-trunk tree from a shrub that is already about 3-foot tall.

[@RockledgeGardens]

YES! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jeaniemo575]

Thanks for explaining this process on a slow and educational manner. Much appreciated.

[@cindyl3916]

So thankful to you for this! I’ve got 4 vitex that need this and was so afraid to mess things up. Also have a Grancey Greybeard coming and have read to do this.

[@RockledgeGardens]

Thanks for watching. Plants are very resilient! Many can be cut down to the ground and they will come back (although it is best not to do that).

[@leonela4458]

Love this!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@RockledgeGardens]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Home-js8ds]

I have a rose of Sharon that I want to tree train. It’s just a year old and I live in the Pnw zone 8b. They bloom late summer July- August here. What’s the best time to train it? Thank you!

[@theatomic430]

Extremely helpful video! Going to do this with a Photinia x fraseri.

[@RockledgeGardens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bikegeist]

This is so cool. I want to tree form a spirea and satsuki azalea.

[@dasledogg64]

Thank you for an excellent video. I plan doing this with a dappled willow bush.

[@RockledgeGardens]

That would make a beautiful tree!!

[@edio.8431]

I'll do the same, hoping to form a willow bush into a tree. Thanks for the video 🤗

[@dasledogg64]

I was able to get a willow shrub 50% off at Lowe's and it had three separate trunks in one pot so I had good options. It was hard to do all the pruning, but worth it.

[@edio.8431]

@@dasledogg64 yup, same here! I can't wait for the results in a few years 😅 The trees are expensive tho, yet I think it's possible to alter these shrubs into a tree. Good luck!

[@dasledogg64]

@@edio.8431 you're so right. But you're already off on the right foot because you said a few years. Your patience will pay off I'm sure. I would always rather try to do it myself and see the progress, than pay that big bill. But if you don't mind paying, Home Depots have been getting in mature Dappled willow trees for less than $100, might be able to catch one on sale if people don't know what they are passing up on, like I did.

[@glassreef473]

I have a young olive tree in a 10 inch pot that is about 6 feet tall. It has two leaders that join just above the soil line. Each leader is equal in size and height - maybe about 1/2” in diameter. I would like to make this into a single trunk tree. Would it shock the tree too much if I cut one of those leaders/trunks off? I’ll live with the two trunks if I have to. I don’t want to lose the tree. Your guidance would be so appreciated!

[@RockledgeGardens]

In most cases, that should be fine! But it is best if you can send a photo and explanation to [e-mail], just to make sure!

[@glassreef473]

Thank you! I will do that!

[@matytj5738]

Can I do this to my rose bush?

[@RockledgeGardens]

You sure can! And now is the time to cut them back! rockledgegardens.com/january-gardening-tips-brevard-county-florida/

[@tobiasbach12]

I brought a Jatropha TREE and noticed that all the pruning was done horizontally a d not at 45°. There is black formations on the cuts. Is this a severe proble.? How should it treat it?

[@tracefl8625]

Where to get one of those mesh top growing tables?

[@edithjabbour5703]

Will a beautyberry do well as a tree form/standard?

[@RockledgeGardens]

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) can be trained into a tree form or standard, though it's naturally a multi-stemmed shrub. To achieve this, you need to consistently prune it to maintain a single trunk and desired shape. This can be a rewarding process, as the beautyberry’s vibrant purple berries add a striking visual element to any landscape. For best results: Select a strong central stem: Choose the strongest, most upright stem to be the main trunk. Prune regularly: Remove all other stems and any growth that competes with the central leader. Keep the lower part of the main stem free of branches. Support the trunk: Use a stake to support the young tree form until the trunk is strong enough to stand on its own. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the beautyberry in a tree form. If you're consistent with your pruning, your beautyberry can thrive as a small tree.

[@alexriffe1212]

Would Fringe Trees work with this technique? I know they're a bit of a slower grower.

[@RockledgeGardens]

You sure could! What a great tree!! If you do a google search for "fringe tree standard form", you will find several examples of Fringe Trees pruned into tree form.

[@solb101]

Good vid but I can’t hear your voice for the music.

[@RockledgeGardens]

Thanks for your feedback! We will remember to turn the music down in our future videos.

[@helpingkarma]

Do you do the same for a wisteria?

[@RockledgeGardens]

The same principles would apply, yes:)