Is your apex weak? Are you furthering the issue unknowingly?

Prelude:

Rewind to spring 2023, having only ever experience Akadama turn to mud once this was the one. As to why that happened, the verdict is still out to this day. Not getting too sidetracked I repotted the Buxus. Short story I reduced the root system by 90%! Why would I do that? Simple answer, it was a necessary operation at this stage of the tree’s development to improve the nebari.

Having sulked through the entire growing season (hey who’s blaming it!) it hardly grew, throwing out just a few lower shoots. Now you may have guessed it, the apex did not grow and was now out of balance and in danger of being discarded…

But I thought trees grow strong near the top? Yes you right, trees do, but shrubs don’t.

Shrubs are basally dominant.

What does this mean?

Shrubs are inherently stronger in their lower branches and left unchecked energy balance can become very lobsided and in worst cases the apex lost.

Knowing this, what have I done and what will I continue to do this year?

You can see from the photo how strong the lower branches have shot out this spring. So I have religiously pinched every shoot, and will continue to do so. Conversely any apical branch will be left unchecked this growing season or until I reclaim the balance.

Not doing this, I would be in real danger of losing the apex in 1 to 2 years.

Understand energy and how to manipulate it and your knowledge on what techniques to apply will inherently improve.

Observe, acknowledge, respond and execute.