Two Welcoming and Rare Loropetalum Trees

The Left after Pruning and the Right, Before

I have worked on many a Loropetalum - the beautiful shrubs with green to purplish foliage, or a mix thereof, and gorgeous small pink (a newer species - red) and white fringe flowers. Even if you weren't aware of their name, you've probably seen plenty.

Most all the Loropetalums I have pruned and planted have been shrubs or tree-like shrubs, but not technically, trees. 

These two girls are trees. And, they are interesting, gorgeous. 

Being a member of the church, Bethel United Methodist, for which they adorn, I knew they were there, and I adored them. But, I finally offered to do some gratis work on them with the chair of our trustee committee (also a customer and friend) at my side. 

Left Loropetalum - After Pruning

Being given oversight of the grounds as a trustee not long ago, I thought this a wonderful place to start. There is plenty more to do which will be a mix of oversight and some hands-on. I'm hoping, more so, for oversight.

Both trees had a substantial amount of dead branches within their interior and an abundance of crossing and diverted branches. Many branches weren't an immediate health issue, but many didn't bode well for the future of the tree.

After some research, I found these two Loropetalums were planted in the late 80's and from what I know from working on them, they are probably within a few feet of their mature or ultimate size, 20 X 20 - a wonderful size for the space they occupy. 

Right Lorpetalum - Branch Structure, After Pruning

As with all lorpetalums, there were interior areas of congestion, which needed thinning. Also, there were previously-made improper cuts made which produced less natural production of branches and foliage. Someone decided to cut branches to raise the height of the canopy or to reduce the size of the crown...all performed with little thought or technique.

Although I spend a lot of time inside of shrubs and trees, it is rare that I am able to climb inside one while pruning it. If you recognize the form of both of these trees, it was wonderful to climb inside them and work from the inside, out. Doing so is more efficient, productive and provides an aspect of the plant which is so beneficial.

Both Loropetalums - After Pruning

Both of these trees are wonderful specimens, fairly well balanced in regard to space and the path of the sun.There will always be need for some attention, yet, now, you can find the sunlight coming through the foliage and branches of each. They are healthier, happier.

Each tree took well over two hours to prune, with an assistant. I am certain I could personally spend another hour on each, but here they are, in all their glory and happiness. 

If you care to view these two amazing Lorpetalums, they flank the sanctuary entrance of Bethel United Methodist Church on Daniel Drive, roughly at the intersection of Bethel Church Road and Willingham Drive.

Left Loropetalum - Branch Structure, After Pruning

Feel free to come worship with us, at any time.