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joetab24 · 08-19-2009, 09:48 AM

As you can see, this area is full shade, and it stays that way all day. Some have suggested pruning the tree to bring in some light. I am a bit nervous about cutting the tree. Are there any tips/rules to keep in mind when performing this task? Thanks!

**Scuba_Dave** · 08-19-2009, 09:55 AM

Have you thought about just a ground cover that will grow in shade?
I think in order to prune it to let enough light in the tree may look bad
I assume you have tried grass seed for shade areas ?

It could also be a water issue, where the tree is sucking up all the water

joetab24 · 08-19-2009, 10:26 PM

Dave,

I had considered ground cover and then talked myself out of it, since everyone else on my street has grass. But in reality, the one person who has perennials and ground cover has the same tree and shade as I do. I purchased a flat of pachysandra (about 100 plants for $30) this afternoon, but I am concerned I may have made this purchase too quickly.

To cover my whole lawn (22.5' X 20') is going to be expensive and, contrary to what the salesperson told me, pachysandra is not able to deal with some foot traffic. At this point, I am thinking I am going to remove the ground cover that is currently under the tree and plant the pachysandra, radiating out from the tree. And then I will put some type of border or small fence up.

handy man88 · 08-19-2009, 11:05 PM

Wait until the leaves drop to prune/thin.

chrisn · 08-20-2009, 04:50 AM

The tree can EASILY be pruned at any time to allow more light too the yard without affecting the appearance of it. Call a qualified arborist to prune it properly, it is much to hard to describe how to prune properly and each tree will be different.It looks to be a small tree, so it should not cost that much.

**Scuba_Dave** · 08-20-2009, 08:42 AM

Is that a Japanese Maple?
Mine had roots growing very close to the surface
I usually plant ground cover & fill in with mulch until it grows in

handy man88 · 08-20-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisn

The tree can EASILY be pruned at any time to allow more light too the yard without affecting the appearance of it. Call a qualified arborist to prune it properly, it is much to hard to describe how to prune properly and each tree will be different.It looks to be a small tree, so it should not cost that much.

Trees can be pruned at any time, but pruning encourages more growth. It's better to prune when the tree is in a dormant state, like after the leaves have fallen and it gets colder.

jsmc · 08-21-2009, 01:29 AM

Just a few things to remember.
You may always have problems growing grass under this tree. You might be better off getting some of the new artifical turf. It is pricey to begin with but it will also not harm your tree, and you can cut areas out to plant some shade loving plants in.

It all depends on how you prune your tree whether it will stimulate growth or cause it to bush out, if you do it correctly you will be able keep the cuts from sending out more branches.
You also should definitely wait until the tree is dormant to do that much pruning. If you do it now it could allow for sun, or insect damage which can cause disease and will most assuredly you will not have to worry about the shade problem a few years from now.
I would reccommend that you contact a Master Gardener in your area by calling the University Extension office and have someone come out and help you with a reccomendation. It is free and they will be able to see what we can't from the photo. They will also know what works best in your area for types of grasses, shade plants and more. Please use these highly trained folks I love going on Master Gardener calls and I am sure who ever comes to see you will be able to put your mind at ease.

chrisn · 08-21-2009, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handy man88

Trees can be pruned at any time, but pruning encourages more growth. It's better to prune when the tree is in a dormant state, like after the leaves have fallen and it gets colder.

Yes it is better to prune when the trees are dormant but if pruned properly does not encourage more growth. If you are talking about "topping", then just don't do that.