Page 12 - 3 Methods of Tree Shaping

Common techniques to all tree shaping

Framing has different purposes depending on which shaping technique

is being used. Framing can be made up of variety of materials such as
timber, steel or even a the tree itself .
1. Aeroponic root shaping uses heavy wooden framing to maintain the fig

roots’ shape.
3 Methods of T
2. For Arborsculpture framing is used to hold the bent mature tree in place
until the tree has grown enough annual rings to cast the design form.
The length of time is determined by the size and age of the tree bent
into shape.

3. With gradual shaping the framing is used to support the young growing
tree and removed once the design is self-supporting.
ree Shaping

Framing can play an important role in whether a graft will hold or break.

Graftingis where the cambium of two trees are joined to form a bond of
living cells. In tree shaping, grafting is most commonly used as a way of
getting the trees/ branches to join and form a design. The sections are

precisely cut to expose the cambium layer, this is where the new cells are
formed. They are brought together and bound in a moist environment, it is
important to hold the graft immobile. The new cell growth cements the join

making them one. Grafting is commonly used in horticulture for fruit trees,
roses and many other plants.

Pruning plays an important role in getting the design balanced and even.
It is mainly used to keep the design free of unwanted branches and to

reduce the size of the canopy. Pruning controls and directs a plant’s growth
into a desired shape. Pruning above a leaf node can steer plant growth in

the direction of the natural placement of that bud.

Pruning is sometimes the only technique used to create the shaped tree.

Pruning of a deciduous tree is mainly done in winter, though sometimes it
is necessary to prune during the growing season. In some species when
they are repeatedly given a hard pruning it can stunt the growth, or lead

to killing the tree.

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