Young tree without top

puppychew · 29th May 2009, 12:30 AM

Hi, I just received a Black Locust tree in the mail.

It is 3 feet tall - just one "stick" and has buds.

My problem is that the top of the tree was at one time broken off - not cut off since it seems slightly rough. So I have a nice healthy stick with buds, but a blunt top.

Question: will this cut top effect the form/growth of the tree?

The nursery is willing to send another, but it is almost June in NJ and I want to get my planting done with so I was thinking of keeping it unless this will effect the mature appearance.

thanks in advance,
Ken

Eric Frei · 29th May 2009, 12:35 AM

Get another if you can, the main leader is a vital to the trees architecture and development.

TreeSpecialist · 29th May 2009, 04:03 AM

The black locust will likely form a new leader on its own.

Keep the damaged tree and plant it. Ask the nursery to send a replacement.

It is not unusual to see a green black locust fence post sprout and start going if it's cool and wet when the fence post is "planted."

29th May 2009, 12:30 AM	#1
puppychew I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1	Young tree without top Hi, I just received a Black Locust tree in the mail. It is 3 feet tall - just one "stick" and has buds. My problem is that the top of the tree was at one time broken off - not cut off since it seems slightly rough. So I have a nice healthy stick with buds, but a blunt top. Question: will this cut top effect the form/growth of the tree? The nursery is willing to send another, but it is almost June in NJ and I want to get my planting done with so I was thinking of keeping it unless this will effect the mature appearance. thanks in advance, Ken

29th May 2009, 12:35 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Young tree without top Get another if you can, the main leader is a vital to the trees architecture and development. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

29th May 2009, 04:03 AM	#3
TreeSpecialist Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 373	Re: Young tree without top The black locust will likely form a new leader on its own. Keep the damaged tree and plant it. Ask the nursery to send a replacement. It is not unusual to see a green black locust fence post sprout and start going if it's cool and wet when the fence post is "planted." __________________

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