Native Plants
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Thursday - August 13, 2009
From: Detroit, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Pruning, Trees
Title: Corkscrew willow damage to roof in Detroit, MI.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I have a corkscrew willow (Detroit, MI) that is huge and whose branches hang on top of the asphalt shingles of my mobile home. It has now been discovered that these shingles, under the branches, are disintegrating. Could this be due to the exudate from this corkscrew willow?ANSWER:
The Corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana) has become a popular ornamental tree in the U.S. due to its contorted and twisted branches and twigs. The winter branch pattern is especially interesting interesting. However, since it is non native to North America (its origin is China), it lies outside our expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where we focus on and encourage the cultivation, conservation and preservation of wildflowers and other native flora throughout North America.
If the limbs of the tree are actually in contact with the shingles of your home, I think that a combination of accumulated leaf litter holding moisture and the rubbing of the branches on the roof would be enough to help deteriorate your shingles.
Once you have replaced the damaged shingles, you might consider checking out this site for tips on pruning the lower branches of your willow tree.
More Pruning Questions
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The main vine is at least 3" across. The vines from...
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Blackfoot daisy declining in Austin
September 04, 2010 - My Blackfoot Daisies have grown large, bushy, have bloomed well over the past two summers. Now parts of the plants are drying up, dying. Will pruning out the dead parts help the plants to survive, or ...
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When and how to prune lavender (Lavandula sp.)
March 20, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants
I have a Goodwin Creek Lavender plant that I planted last year. It did very well but my question is about pruining.
It seems that there is some growth coming up now that it...
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Need help with pruning my Anacacho Orchid tree.
January 04, 2010 - We have an Anacacho Orchid Tree which has done so well in its location that we will need to prune it back. Please advise how much we can prune it and what time of year to do so.
Thank you
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Pruning of Bauhinia lunarioides
May 29, 2008 - I have a Bauhinia variegata..when is the best time to prune it? it tends to grow horizontally..where do you clip off the limbs?
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