Multi-stemmed trees as an eye-catcher in the garden

Trees and shrubs: we probably all know what that is. But another specimen has suddenly emerged in Dutch gardens: The multi-stemmed tree. Usually, we are dealing with a tree that has grown or cultivated as a multi-stemmed specimen. But some large shrubs also lend themselves well to life on tall trunks. In the past, they were hard to find in the nurseries; nowadays, they are trendy. Both with landscapers and garden owners. These tree species can be quite pricey, significantly if they are specially grown. You can also grow them yourself quite quickly with a little patience. For a Quality Service you can visit MY Tree Services Round Rock.

What is a tree?

This question is not difficult to answer. Any child who asks you to draw a tree will draw a trunk with a crown. And that’s right. We speak of a tree if there is one trunk. A tree will then branch at a certain height, forming a crown on the trunk. It may be a natural shape of the tree. But also topiary trees that are grafted onto a rootstock. The well-known Bolacacia or Bolcatalpa do not naturally grow in this form but are cultivated that way. Despite that, we also speak here of a tree.

What is a shrub?

A shrub is a plant with several branches that are lignified. Multiple branches are sprouting from the heart of the plant. From the base, so directly from the ground, there is an evident branching of the plant. These can be thin branches, such as Hydrangea (Hortensia) branches or thickly wooded branches. The Prunus laurocerasus (evergreen Cherry Laurel) has those thick branches.

What is a multi-stemmed tree?

It sounds like it isn’t right because a multi-stemmed tree is not possible at all! After all, trees always have only one trunk. Nevertheless, they have appeared more and more in Dutch gardens in recent years. These are often trees, which naturally tend to emerge from the ground with several trunks. The growers keep up with the current trend and grow these specimens into beautiful multi-trunk trees. Shrubs are also suitable for producing more or less as a multi-stemmed tree. The aforementioned evergreen Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) grows high on its trunks if the leaves are consistently removed from below. The thick dark trunks have a mysterious appearance, and the evergreen crown gives extra body to the garden all year round.

Landscaping and multi-trunk trees or shrubs

Landscapers are increasingly using a multi-stemmed tree in their designs. Especially in sleek minimalist gardens, this tree is a unique eye-catcher when planted as a solitary. In such a case, the most significant effect is obtained if only one specimen is planted. Multiple copies quickly remove the desired result. The various tribes that sprout from the same place have something magical about them. If the branches and leaves of these trunks are consistently removed to a certain extent, these trunks will come into their own. It also provides a unique view and usually offers more depth in the garden. Only in recent years has the multi-stemmed tree or shrub become popular with landowners and landscapers. Growers never actually offered such trees or shrubs.

Grow a multi-stem tree yourself

Multi-stemmed trees or shrubs that come from the grower are quite pricey. Incidentally, quite rightly, because the cultivation of decent trees takes the necessary labour and time. Also, the tree has occupied the nursery for all these years. That there is a price attached to this is understandable and quite rightly so. However, with the necessary patience, you can also grow a beautiful multi-stemmed tree yourself. Take a look around your garden. Perhaps there is already a shrub or tree that lends itself very well to this. Pay close attention to the branching of the plant, how many trunks are emerging from the ground. How do these trunks continue in the plant? So take a good look at the branch structure. With a deciduous shrub or tree, it is best to assess this in the winter. Then decide which trunks you want to keep and remove all other branches.

For an open structure between the remaining trunks, it is nice to remove any small branches or twigs. It makes the design stand out much better. If you do not have a suitable specimen in the garden, look with the same trained eye at the garden centre’s range and the growers. Take a good look and don’t decide too quickly. After all, an excellent basic shape is essential.