Tree shape

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Hi, I have a Cotoneaster tree growing about 4 years and doing well until the cows attacked it. As you can see from the photo they are the rights side of it, so wondering do I cut it back on the left to help keep its shape?

kindredspirit · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 8:33 pm Post subject:

I suppose it depends if you have a symetrical mind or an asymetrical one, really.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:00 pm Post subject:

The big question is - are the cows going to keep attacking it?

Some years back we had to move a row of young trees that we had planted for someone, when their neighbouring farmer moved his young cows into the adjoining field. Wish we'd known that BEFORE we planted them!

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Good point Sue, the farmer has only started to put cows into this field so best speak with him and move the trees back a bit if he plans to keep cows each year in the field.

tagwex · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:19 am Post subject:

Can you not put a fence around it?

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

There is a fence but I planted the tree right beside it not thinking about cows in the field. 2 options I have is to move the tree or extend the fence so cows can't reach the tree.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:25 am Post subject:

It's surprising how far a cow can reach! The trees we planted were not against the fence, but 3'-4' away.

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Sue, are you sure they weren't giraffes 😂

tagwex · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:44 pm Post subject:

I meant to say extending it. Like they do in horse fields. Enclosing the tree.

mdvaden · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 6:43 am Post subject: Re: Tree shape

Brendankearns · Rank attained: Rowan Tree Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 133

Good call. Thank you