Quercus ilex - Cloud pruning.

[Beezy]

Good Evening All

 

I have been approached by a landscape gardener contact in West London, his client has an early mature Holm Oak in the front garden, they have an idea they would like to create the eventual 'cloud' form....

 

I have explained that in order to prune the tree to produce the scaffold branch framework required for the future cloud like form, it would initially look somewhat stark, a heavy pollard and a bit like a hat rack!

 

I would appreciate any thoughts on this project, as this is a first for me!! I would expect the re-growth to regenerate quite quickly, but i said to treat this as a longer term project over a couple of growing seasons, clipping to form, bit like a Mr Miyagi bonsai!

 

Ideas??

Beezy

[RobArb]

Has the tree got a suitable branch structure to begin with?

 

 

 

Sent from my Galaxy S2

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

interesting project, possible for sure but not the ideal species, but you have to work with what your given!

 

how big/old is the tree?

[Beezy]

I think there is a possibility for good branch structure to create the cloud effect, Hama you're right, not ideal species, but could work well.

 

The house and garden is being totally refurbed, the cloud prune is part of the project, here's a couple of pics

[ben lightfoot]

Cloud pruning?

[RobArb]

Imagine a stereotypical cedar of lebanon drawing....

[WeeDee]

Imagine a stereotypical cedar of lebanon drawing....

 

That's a much better description than mine - cloud pruning always makes me think of Dr. Seuss' trees in 'The Cat in the Hat'!

[RobArb]

That's a much better description than mine - cloud pruning always makes me think of Dr. Seuss' trees in 'The Cat in the Hat'!

 

Just as good (IMO)

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Its got the form for it, this could work really well, any scope for tying down a few limbs to get some downward bends established?

[Beezy]

I think of pollarded London Plane trees in their first season after pruning! Green Pom Poms!