Hi, Tom in Dallas here. I'm trying to grow a Shumard Oak. I want it to be tall and top bushy to shade the hide the broiling Texas afternoon sun. It is now about 20' tall.; (3rd summer upcoming. I just learned about the "sap highway." I'm wondering... 1) How high up should I lop off all side branches to make all of the energy go towards faster vertical growth. and... 2) How often can I feed it with 16-8-8 plant food? Your thoughts and guidance is appreciated. 3) Oh... another question please. I work on residential rent houses (hundreds of rent houses each year. Last year I did 460 Work Orders. I am experimenting with girdling large tree branches that are too close to rent house roofs. I remove a 4 inch wide strip of outer bark and inner vascular cambium; all the way around the limb. So far, I have done this to two different trees (yesterday). Question. Will this (hopefully) kill the limb but leave the tree unaffected? I am covering the "bleeding edge" with black enamel paint; as well as the exposed limb pith. Hopefully, this will keep sprouts from growing out. You thoughts please?
