Advice needed

[James]

I planted what I thought was a pussy willow tree a couple years back. The thing grew like crazy in all directions but not a whole lot vertically. I can kill the thing and start over or take a saw to it perodically and keep it from spreading so much and even try and keep it. I'm leaning toward the former.

The plant is in a place in my garden that one would not want a large spreading plant. It must span about 15 feet horizontally. It is beginning to span the stepping stone path if I let it and the branches don't seem prone to much training. The height of it is in doubt as to whether it could get taller and not be as obtrusive.

Vote a thumbs up, down or a reprieve with a possible solution.

[Timothy]

The real question is ... Do you really want to do maintenance on this tree at least once every season. It took less than four years to get out of control, one could only wonder what could be in-store for you in the future with a mystery tree. If you felt that you could train it away from the path and other places that you don't want it with out dis-figuring it, then the question is... do you like it? It's not the pussy willow you wanted, but is this one acceptable to your eye?

If your going to remove it, do it while it's small. Less work and less damage to the garden. Good luck.

[James]

You've convinced me. The damn thing was out of control when it began growing there from the get go. I doubt any amount of maintenance would help. Too bad it took me so long to realize it was a losing excercise. Now to replace it with something else.