Should a mature liquid amber tree be pruned and topped?

Answer 1

Sure, you should thin out the crown of the tree by removing selected branches, or raise the crown by removing lower branches.

My Arborist has done a fabulous job with our Liquid Amber We live in Vancouver BC - the tree is 10 years old and stands nearly 20 feet tall. We don't want the tree to grow to its full potential of around 60 feet and so we prune it each year.

So - here's what to do - wait till the very beginning of spring - more like the end of winter - you'll see little buds where the new growth is about to emerge.

The pruning is done in a spiral shape cutting every third branch form the trunk and /or every third twig from the branch in a spiral formation depending on your desired overall effect This will prevent die back and also assist with healing. It will also limit the height of the tree which will also limit the footprint of the tree and also the root pattern. As it is the rootball will be approximately the same as the blossoming tree foilage and it will push up driveways and pathways unless controlled.

Good luck.