Three years ago we planted two 1.7m Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta in our garden here in western France. They are now at 3m and growing well, but their form is a little ragged - not at all what we had hoped for from this classic feature of the landscapes and gardens of Provence and Northern Italy.
Specifically, although we're aware that new growth is expected to be soft and droopy, only straightening as it matures, even the most mature lower side shoots are far from erect, spoiling the overall effect.
Has anyone had this kind of problem, and/or have any suggestions as to a possible course of action to tighten up the trees' ragged outlines? Or will it fix itself in time?
Suggestions, please.
RM