Hello,
Our house has what looks to be a Chinese Catalpa tree from internet search (Feel free to reidentify). I have attached a picture of how we prune it in winter. Can you let us know the proper way and when to prune it or if we should keep the branches and not prune it at all.
We cannot identify the tree by bark or branches alone, so will assume that you are correct and this is a Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata). If you wish, send in another question, with photos that show the tree during the growing season – its broad leaves, flowers, and long bean-like seed pods — so we can help confirm your tree’s identity.
The Chinese catalpa can grow up to 6-9 metres (20-30 feet) high, with a similar spread. See Missouri Botanical Garden. Catalpa ovata. From your photo, it looks like you (and perhaps those who tended the garden before you) have been pruning the tree in a way that keeps it smaller than it would typically grow. This is called pollarding. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Pollarding provides a good overview of this pruning technique.
One of my Master Gardener colleagues advises that once started, you should continue pollarding a tree, otherwise the tree would become unsightly very quickly and could possibly be a hazard as well (e.g., the branches could be weak and break easily). We recommend that you continue to pollard every year in late winter/very early spring. Your tree looks like it would benefit from proper pruning so that it remains healthy for many years to come. We suggest that you consult an accredited arborist -the arborist can prune your tree and provide advice on how to prune going forward.
The following articles provide helpful information about pollarding Catalpas.
- Suburban Citizen. Stumps to stars.
- Thompson & Morgan. How to prune Catalpa.
- The Detroit News. Pollarding a catalpa tree.
Happy pollarding!
June 26 2024