Paul Williams

Hi All
I have a new tree a Brazilian Rain Tree. I have question that I so far have not been able to find a answer to. As you may know the tree has wicked thorns, they are approximately one inch long. Can they be removed? If so is there any special procedure? Will die back occur? What time of year is this best done here in mid Florida?
Good growing
Paul

shaggybirdman

hmmmm i have a few myself, but don't mind the thorns. why do ya want to remove them. a raintree is a clip and grow tree. not really suited for wiring.

Paul Williams

Because they are not fun to work around (the ones on my black olive are a pain and much smaller)

That’s true for the most part, but the thorns are in the way even for that. Also they don't add to the design, they look like little pokers sticking out hear and there. For me they just don’t fit.
But my real question is, can they be removed with out harming the tree?
Good growing
Paul

TEM

I can totally understand that you want to remove the thorns to improve the design of your tree. Normally you should be able to do this if the tree is shaped. Take care because removing the thorns means that part of the tree will not grow!

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Mattbonsai

Paul,

You shouldn't encounter a problem with removing the thorns, providing there are no buds along them, such as happens with Crataegus, if there is, just prune to the required bud, following the usual pruning techniques, late winter - early spring.

best of luck.

-Matt-

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Paul Williams

Hi Tem & Mat
Thanks for the input, this clears up the question.
Good growing
Paul

shaggybirdman

you must have a different verity than mine. when the leaves are open i don't even see the thorns. glad someone had the ansure you needed.

Mortalis

It seems strange to me to remove thorns from a tree that is supposed to have thorns. Thats part of the nature of the tree to me. It seems to me that thorns would help to capture the nature of the raintree because that is what it is. Taking them off would be like pulling a dogs teeth.

Thats my heavily medicated 2 cents.

__________________
"I'm ready to meet my maker, whether my maker is ready to meet me is another matter" W.Church hill.

centaura

I have a texas ebony, which is a relative of the raintree (its a pithicellobium) - I remove its thorns regularly and have never had a problem with the tree. I also regularly dethorn my natal plums, but they are a different species.

-Centaura

Paul Williams

Hi Centaura
First, thanks for your reply. In it you said, with your Ebony you "remove its thorns regulary" does that mean that they grow back once removed? Or are you talking about on new groath?
Good growing
Paul