Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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Hello there…we bought a Prunus yedoensis Ivensii Patio Tree tree in March 2023 and its come on in leaps and bounds, however this year, the branches are turning more towards the sky instead of “weeping” which is why we bought it. Can you help as to why? Marie
Hello there…we bought a Prunus yedoensis Ivensii Patio Tree tree in March 2023 and its come on in leaps and bounds, however this year, the branches are turning more towards the sky instead of “weeping” which is why we bought it. Can you help as to why? Marie
Hmmm thats strange, the only think I can put it down to is the weather and or the new tree trying to balance itself out a bit more...let me explain why that would be.
Weeping tree branches curl upwards due to a phenomenon known as negative geotropism. While typical plant growth involves shoots and branches growing upwards towards light (positive phototropism) and roots growing downwards in response to gravity (positive geotropism), the branches of weeping trees exhibit a different pattern.
Here’s a deeper look into why this happens:
Genetic Traits: Weeping trees are genetically programmed to have pendulous branches. However, to maximize photosynthesis and ensure their leaves get adequate sunlight, the tips of these branches may curl upwards.
Light Seeking: Even though the branches initially grow downward, the tips can bend upwards to optimize light capture, ensuring the leaves are positioned to receive maximum sunlight. This upward curling is a response to the need for light, which is essential for photosynthesis.
Growth Hormones: Plant hormones like auxins play a role in this behavior. Auxins promote cell elongation and are distributed unevenly in response to light and gravity. In weeping trees, the distribution of these hormones causes the branches to first droop and then curl upwards at the tips.
Structural Balance: By curling upwards, the branches help maintain the tree's overall balance and structure. This upward growth can prevent the branches from becoming too heavy and breaking off, thus supporting the tree's health and stability.
Given that it is a young tree and we've had frankly awful weather, I reckon it is a product of the environment. I;'ve had weeping trees that in certain years grow upwards too so don't panic. They usually revert.
If you could post an image, I could also take a look!
Hmmm thats strange, the only think I can put it down to is the weather and or the new tree trying to balance itself out a bit more...let me explain why that would be.
Weeping tree branches curl upwards due to a phenomenon known as negative geotropism. While typical plant growth involves shoots and branches growing upwards towards light (positive phototropism) and roots growing downwards in response to gravity (positive geotropism), the branches of weeping trees exhibit a different pattern.
Here’s a deeper look into why this happens:
Genetic Traits: Weeping trees are genetically programmed to have pendulous branches. However, to maximize photosynthesis and ensure their leaves get adequate sunlight, the tips of these branches may curl upwards.
Light Seeking: Even though the branches initially grow downward, the tips can bend upwards to optimize light capture, ensuring the leaves are positioned to receive maximum sunlight. This upward curling is a response to the need for light, which is essential for photosynthesis.
Growth Hormones: Plant hormones like auxins play a role in this behavior. Auxins promote cell elongation and are distributed unevenly in response to light and gravity. In weeping trees, the distribution of these hormones causes the branches to first droop and then curl upwards at the tips.
Structural Balance: By curling upwards, the branches help maintain the tree's overall balance and structure. This upward growth can prevent the branches from becoming too heavy and breaking off, thus supporting the tree's health and stability.
Given that it is a young tree and we've had frankly awful weather, I reckon it is a product of the environment. I;'ve had weeping trees that in certain years grow upwards too so don't panic. They usually revert.
If you could post an image, I could also take a look!
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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