Tai Haku tree question

DRedSky

hi all,

I recently (last year) purchased a tree based on it being the type of tree i like but more importantly based on the label stating the mature spread is 5 metres.

Photo of label attached.

But i today stumbled upon loads of sites online saying this tree will reach 8 metres wide which is far too wide for the space its in.

can anyone please shed some light on why the label on the tree differs so hugely to the info online?

Jim_Hodge

You could get 6 to 8 m height and spread but 5 would be typical enough in less than ideal conditions. No tree grows to an absolute standard height or spread. Don't bother mulching or feeding it. You can always prune it for size and shape if needed.

DRedSky

oh great thanks Jim, so in theory if i only have room for say 5 metres of spread for it i could keep it pruned back to the 5 metre spread without harming it?

looksee

Well it is a Prunus and they are a bit picky about being pruned, there's a chance they will get infected by silverleaf. On the other hand the style around where I live is trees bullied into lollipops and not so much pruned as hacked with a chain saw to within an inch of their lives, and they continue flowering.

DRedSky

ha yeah I’ve noticed that myself, people seem to have a fascination with making trees look as unnatural as possible.

Raging about the label on this tree having the incorrect sizing! They were 3 metres out, like almost half the spread stated everywhere else.

It made me choose the wrong site for it.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122408138#Comment_122408138

The label's not wrong. It could well be 5m. Some will say 6 or more, but many will say 5. Never plant a tree if a variance of a couple of metres is critical, as there's just too much variance in tree, and shrub, sizes.

The Continental Op

Tai Haku has a great story https://www.ft.com/content/6570df0c-65e3-11e9-a79d-04f350474d62 but its is a given a chance it will get to a decent size. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/67715/prunus-tai-haku/details

The old adage its "Prunus don't prune us" but I believe pruning in the summer when in leaf can help prevent the reason for not pruning - silver leaf.

jaffa20

It is a spreading tree. I have one too planted in lawn as a specimen and it looks lovely in spring. Up to 10m spread according to below. Even 10m is a bit much for me! I doubt it will go that wide…maybe when it's near 100 years old, but i won't be too bothered then!

https://futureforests.ie/products/prunus-serrulata-tai-haku