Reaching New Heights: Do Pleached Trees Continue to Grow Taller?

The potential for pleached trees to grow taller depends on various factors, including the tree species, pruning practices, and environmental conditions.

Tree Species Impact

Generally, pleached trees are designed to maintain their size and shape through pruning. However the growth pattern of pleached trees varies between species. Some may naturally exhibit an upright growth habit and may continue growing taller even when pleached. These trees can be pruned to maintain their desired height, but some vertical growth may persist.

This has clear advantages. If you're using these trees to create a screen for privacy, you don't want them to outgrow your fence, creating a gap between the fence and the pleached frame. Moreover, the less apparent benefit is that you retain space at the tree's base, allowing for additional underplanting.

Pruning Practices

We recommend trimming your trees at least once a year to maintain their shape, similar to a traditional hedge. Some species, like Nellie R. Stevens, are slower-growing and require less maintenance than faster-growing varieties like Leylandii.

Pruning plays a pivotal role in controlling pleached tree size and height. Regular and strategic pruning, as detailed in our pruning guide, can limit vertical growth and encourage lateral branching, maintaining the pleached form. By trimming upper shoots and preserving the pleached framework, you can prevent excessive height gain. If maintaining a specific height is crucial for your pleached trees, proper pruning is essential.

However, you don't have to limit the foliage to the edges of the pleach frames once your tree reaches that stage. However, you don't have to let the foliage stop at the edges of the pleach frames once your tree reaches that stage. These frames are there for the training stage, acting like a skeleton. Once the foliage thickens up, you will be able to keep the foliage on top to whatever dimensions work for you.

Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions, such as soil quality, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels, can impact pleached tree growth. Ensuring optimal care and suitable growing conditions can promote healthy lateral growth while pruning minimises excessive vertical growth.

In summary, some pleached trees can continue to grow taller, but this can be controlled through the choice of tree species and prudent pruning. This ensures you can enjoy pleached trees that maintain their elegant and desired stature.