After diseased weeping drake elms trees have been removed, what do I do about new shoots? - Ask Extension
We live in Florida and had three weeping drake elms on our lawn. We had them removed, due to the fact that they were dying and diseased. We also ...
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After diseased weeping drake elms trees have been removed, what do I do about new shoots? #144448
Asked July 31, 2013, 1:29 PM EDT
We live in Florida and had three weeping drake elms on our lawn. We had them removed, due to the fact that they were dying and diseased. We also had the roots ground out. In two of the spots the trees are growing back. They look more like bushes and are about 2.5 feet tall. Our thoughts are that since they appear to be healthy, let them grow back. If we do let them grow back, can we trim them so they can be more tree-like rather than bush-like? Also, several shoots are growing back in one spot. Should we kill these, or can we let them grow as they are? Thank you for your time and advice.
Pinellas County Florida
Expert Response
You may continue to maintain the shrub as a shrub or you may train the shrubs back to a standard tree. Pruning is up to what we as individuals like and most woody plants will adjust. If you choose the standarized tree approach, you will have to continually prune out the undesired side shoots and shoots from the roots. Eventually, the tree will reduce the quantity of the shoots when the tree starts becoming thicker in girth. You are training it to become a tree again. Have patience through this process, it may take a few years for the tree to get enough woodiness or bark and be a tree again.
If you choose the shrub look, you maintain its shape to your preference. Enjoy whichever shape you choose.
