Trees: No. of Breaks
General
The minimum number of breaks/branches/lateral growth may be included in the specification. The number present at the time of sale depends on the characteristics of the species, hybrid or cultivar and the age/size of the tree. The following table indicates the minimum number of branches for various sizes and species of trees.
Figure 1:8 cm girth,
LIGHT STANDARD TREE
showing branching
| No. Branches |
Form |
Girth |
Height (cm) |
| 1 |
Whip |
|
100-125 |
| 2,3 or 5 |
Feather |
|
125-150 |
| 3 or 5 |
Feather |
|
150-175 |
| 3 or 4 |
Half |
4-6 |
175-250 |
| 3, 4 or 5 |
Extra light |
5-6 |
200-250 |
| 3, 4 or 5 |
Light |
6-8 |
250-300 |
| 3, 4 or 5 |
Standard |
8-10 |
250-300 |
| 4, 5 or 7 |
Selected |
10-12 |
300-350 |
| 5, 6 or 7 |
Heavy |
12-14 |
350-425 |
| 5, 6 or 7 |
Extra heavy |
14-16 |
425-600 |
The typical number of branches for each size is indicated in bold type.
Species with little branching (at 100-175 cm height) include: Acer platanoides, Robinia pseudoacacia. Well feathered species include: Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa, Fagus sylvatica.
Ailanthus altissima and Catalpa bignonioides typically have 2 or 3 branches at 10-12 to 14-16 size.