Question from Barbie: We have a very large Camphor tree about 45 years old. W have had it trimmed/laced several times. We want to be sure we have this done at the right time (or season) of the year. We live in So. CA about 20 miles North of San Diego. Also are about 2 miles from the Ocean
Answer from Pat: Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) needs pruning in youth in order train it into a good shape. Beyond that, the only pruning absolutely necessary is to remove any dead branches and twigs. Pruning to remove dead and dying growth, can be done at any time of year, but when rains are heavy it would be wise to wait until after the rains.
Unfortunately, camphor trees are subject to Verticillium wilt which can cause wilting and dying of leaves, twigs, and branches. Verticillium wilt is at it worst in rainy years and if the soil does not drain well it sometimes kills the entire tree. There is no known treatment for Verticillium wilt except cutting the wilted or dead growth out of the tree and following up with nitrogen fertilizer. (I would recommend an application of humic acid, kelp, and chicken manure. Alfalfa tea would also be helpful.) If the tree is growing in heavy clay soil and if the clay does not drain well due to alkalinity, it would be a good idea to treat the soil under the tree annually with gypsum. Apply enough to the entire root zone from two or three feet from the trunk all the way to the drip line and ten or fifteen feet beyond that, so that it looks as if a light snow has fallen. Apply before rainfall or water it in. (See page 21 of my organic book for a full explanation of the uses of gypsum for increasing drainage of clay soil.)
Other than the pruning mentioned above, mature camphor trees need little pruning. A problem occurs, however, when camphor trees are planted on small lots. These trees are extremely handsome and best adapted to large landscapes. A mature camphor tree can eventually grow to be fifty feet tall and sixty feet wide, much too large for most small gardens. Additionally, camphor trees have many surface roots. It’s impossible to have a flowerbed under a camphor tree because of these roots, and their deeper roots sometimes get into pipes. They are also drippy trees. They drop their leaves in spring and then later on drop flowers, fruit, and twigs. For all these reasons, some homeowners prune the trees on a regular basis, but mainly to try to control their size. If this is the type of pruning you intend to do then the best time is late in a camphor tree’s dormant season, or late winter—February in your location. Despite all their bad habits, camphor trees have many lovable characteristics, particularly their striking appearance, the loveliness of their young foliage, their beauty in rain when the trunk of the tree turns black in contrast to the light green foliage, and the delightful fragrance emitted by their otherwise insignificant flowers. Personally I think it is far better to try to control a camphor tree’s size than to get rid of such a fine ornamental tree.
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