Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
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Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Hi everyone,
I've had this Willow Leaf for a month or two now and just thought I'd gather opinions on it. I'm considering whether or not to shorten it, as the apex of it is just a mess. Reverse taper has formed up top due to bundles of branches growing from one spot (previous owners care, not mine). So, here are some shots of it:


If I were to shorten it, there's a branch in this area that I'd cut back and use that branch as the new leader:

Any comments?
I've had this Willow Leaf for a month or two now and just thought I'd gather opinions on it. I'm considering whether or not to shorten it, as the apex of it is just a mess. Reverse taper has formed up top due to bundles of branches growing from one spot (previous owners care, not mine). So, here are some shots of it:


If I were to shorten it, there's a branch in this area that I'd cut back and use that branch as the new leader:

Any comments?
Ryan- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Hi Ryan,
If it would be mine I would probably cut out many of those unnecessary branches and wait more to see tree's reaction (e.g. till next winter at least).
I would not rush and do this action at the moment.
In my opinion, feed and watch your tree for a while.
If it would be mine I would probably cut out many of those unnecessary branches and wait more to see tree's reaction (e.g. till next winter at least).
I would not rush and do this action at the moment.
In my opinion, feed and watch your tree for a while.
Sakaki- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Yes, remove 50-75% of that tree's branches -- especially up top.
_________________
Jim Lewis - lewisjk@windstream.net - Western NC - People, when Columbus discovered this country, it was plumb full of nuts and berries. And I'm right here to tell you the berries are just about all gone. Uncle Dave Macon, old-time country musician
JimLewis- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
And you'll still be able to remove it later -- patience! And you and other people make much too much of a little bit of so-called reverse taper. And bar branches, and . . .
_________________
Jim Lewis - lewisjk@windstream.net - Western NC - People, when Columbus discovered this country, it was plumb full of nuts and berries. And I'm right here to tell you the berries are just about all gone. Uncle Dave Macon, old-time country musician
JimLewis- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Ryan,
I agree with leaving it as is for now and just reducing the number of branches. The reverse taper showing there seems relatively minimal and with proper pruning can be lessened over a few years possibly. Let it grow strong through the summer and into next season and see how it strikes you then. Patience is more important than having the courage to make big cuts. Let your trees grow and show you where they want to go.
Todd
I agree with leaving it as is for now and just reducing the number of branches. The reverse taper showing there seems relatively minimal and with proper pruning can be lessened over a few years possibly. Let it grow strong through the summer and into next season and see how it strikes you then. Patience is more important than having the courage to make big cuts. Let your trees grow and show you where they want to go.
Todd
DreadyKGB- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
If you grow the top out you can bring it down to cover the reverse taper.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
So I would go with thinning and letting the top grow out.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
OK, the gap between the first branch and the bar branches is too great to work, if they were closer I would remove the branch opposite to the first branch, but that is not the case. If you can develop both and bring the foliage down, you might keep both as part of your banyan style top and hide the reverse taper at the same time.
Billy M. Rhodes- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Billy M. Rhodes wrote:OK, the gap between the first branch and the bar branches is too great to work, if they were closer I would remove the branch opposite to the first branch, but that is not the case. If you can develop both and bring the foliage down, you might keep both as part of your banyan style top and hide the reverse taper at the same time.
Great idea Billy, thanks!
Ryan- Member
Re: Thoughts on this Willow Leaf Ficus?
Haven't really done anything to this tree besides feeding it and letting it grow.




Ryan- Member
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