The Hatrack 3/3

The hatracking is finished. However there will be much more but less drastic work on this tree to bring it into full glory, it will be glorious, of that I am confident. For example, such was the state of this beautiful tree that many of the main limbs had become twisted and crossed within its middle, I have had to remove more than I would have liked of these. All the white marks below the skeletal outline of the pyramids will produce strong water sprouts, these will need regular rubbing out or pruning off for a couple of years, the energy can then be channelled into filling the top shapes out. This filling will not occur naturally, many shoots will be stronger than others and will require "nipping" back, much the same way as you would "stop" Chrysanthemums, sweet peas or some bedding plants.

Hatracking is an old method, yes it is drastic and quite frightening or worrying for the beginner, and yes some trees do die from it, more often the 'altaclerensis' species. But where there is a problem or obstruction it can rejuvenate, thus creating shape, structure and beauty out of disorder and neglect.

I will try and post a monthly image of this hatracking. Either it will work well or I shall be hung by my own petard and look a complete tit. These posts are not retrospective and the hatracking can be viewed by every visitor to Eggleston Hall Gardens, in fact it cannot be avoided, so if it goes wrong it is my name on the label and you are welcome to remind me.