Man has always had great respect for trees and has never ceased to discover their inherent strength. Trees nourish, protect, decorate - this has been the case for centuries.How does this relate to contemporary modern gardening?It seems that the trees not only have lost none of their majesty, but have even advanced to the role of crowned heads. Literally.
Tree crowns have been pruned flat for centuries. French and English gardeners have the greatest merits in this field.Removing a flat crown is not a difficult procedure, but undoubtedly time-consuming and requires patience.
The trees are cut at least once a year (when the plants are leafless), although without a doubt even better results will be obtained by pruning the shoots two or even three times a year (two approaches in summer). The analogy to trimming a hedge is obvious.Discipline is especially needed when forming complex geometric figures.Then, at the end of winter, cut the plants to the desired skeleton shape and repeat the pruning in summer to correct the outer shape.
Trees with flat crowns are a great solution, especially in small gardens. Plants kept in check can successfully imitate architectural elements.Some trees are better suited to forming, others worse, depending on their decorative qualities or natural developmental features.Traditionally, beech, hornbeam, linden, maple, and amber trees are used for lines and roofs.
Removal of the trunk and crown may take up to several years in some species.One thing is certain: such a tree never reaches its natural size and does not develop a natural habit. In nurseries, you can get trees with a flat crown (usually linden).The prices of these plants are higher than those traditionally kept, but the effect is immediate.
The flat shape of the crown can also be given to fruit trees, such as pears and apple trees. It is best to start this type of crop near the south or east wall of the house, using varieties grafted on a weakly growing rootstock.Stems are spread in the horizontal plane, i.e. perpendicular to the trunk, creating several floors, spaced approximately every half a meter.
The walls of the building retain heat and give it back gradually at night.As a result, flowering and fruiting are more secure, and the fruit is tastier.
Getting flat crowns
Contrary to appearances, getting a flat crown is not as difficult as it seems.Mainly because the shaping is done with the use of a board, thanks to which we know which branches to remove and which to keep.
How to shape a crown
Removal of a decorative tree with a flat crown may take from several to several years, depending on the species, desired crown shape and size. We start shaping the tree by leading out a tall trunk, then we start forming the crown.Usually we use a vertical or horizontal bamboo grid to which we attach the branches.
Crowns are shaped in spring and summer, when the shoots are not lignified and flexible. The trees are pruned according to the dates recommended for a given species, although to keep the shape of the crown nice, it can be cut more often.Remove the rule when the crown takes the desired shape.
