Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - February 11, 2005
From: San Marcos, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Pruning a Wafer Ash to make it upright
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
How do I trim a Wafer Ash? It lays on the ground. Is that normal? Does it need to be upright?ANSWER:
it is not uncommon for a wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata) to droop. It is perfectly fine for it to grow along the ground if you like it that way. However, if you don't want it to do this, it is possible to shape it. It may take considerable pruning and patience to achieve a more upright tree depending on the size of the tree and the severity of the problem.
You can see some hints for pruning the wafer ash from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Horticulture Department.
From the Image Gallery
More Pruning Questions
Pruning Bald Cypress in Wylie, TX
January 02, 2010 - I have a 6 year old bald cypress that sustained damage to the upper portion of its trunk a couple of years ago. Since that time it has grown more outward than upward and developed a rounder shape. I...
view the full question and answer
Pruning Post Oaks
July 26, 2014 - I live in Houston and have two post oaks. One is right by my house. I'd like to trim them but was told they are sensitive and might die if I trim them. Is this true? What is the right course of ac...
view the full question and answer
Pruning a Martha Gonzales rose
January 20, 2016 - How much should I prune back an established Martha Gonzales Rose to keep healthy?
view the full question and answer
Spanish Dagger plant interfering with walkway in Ingram TX
April 09, 2010 - I have a Spanish Dagger that is now 8 feet tall and about to fall over in a walkway. Due to the danger of these very sharp tips I need to either cut down the plant or try to root in and replant. If ...
view the full question and answer
When to prune Texas Coral Honeysuckle in Iredell, TX?
January 31, 2012 - When can I prune Texas coral honeysuckle? It needs to be pruned so that it will fill out. Also, how much do I prune it?
Thank you,
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |