Got lucky with another yardadori from neighbor’s landscaping

[Franklikestrees]

Tub is 22” by 16” or so.

 

[Franklikestrees]

Anyone know, can I cut this back right now and if so, how hard?

 

[Franklikestrees]

It was a good 5 feet tall and I took the longest shoots about a foot down just to move it easier.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Anyone know, can I cut this back right now and if so, how hard?

Did you collect this recently? Because it sounds like you just cut it back & collected it. Schefflera is pretty tough but I'd let it recover with what it just went through. I may have even put it back in the ground and worked on it there.

 

[Franklikestrees]

Yes I found it in a yard trash pile on the side of the road yesterday. Brought it home and potted it. Had to take some off the top because it was just so too heavy but didn’t take much. Thank you for your advice. I can’t put it in the ground as I’m renting and will be moving within a few months. So this is the best I can do. Like my other rescues I’m going to cross my fingers and see what happens, but good to know it’s best to let it recover before doing more. Thanks!

 

[Eckhoffw]

Depending on the previous state of the tree, I would sure think it will be just fine. You’re in Florida!
It should respond well to hard chops. Perhaps next year if/ when the tree shows good health.

 

[Shibui]

No problem chopping schefflera, even right after transplant or other root work provided you can maintain good growing conditions (temperature). Looks like some trunks have been chopped previously so you can probably see the type of response to a chop.
Schefflera will bud from any node so it doesn't matter how low you chop.
Like most other plants, it will produce most new buds close to the top of any trunk after a chop so chop close to where you want the new shoots. In other words, cut way lower than your anticipated tree height to allow for it to grow up to the completed height.