Question on southern live oak (Q virginiana) ramification

[BrianBay9]

I know oaks in general can be difficult to convince to ramify. But my recent attempts with southern live oak seem particularly frustrating. Those of you with Q virginiana ( @rockm ), do you use the typical techniques - let growth extend and harden off, then cut back to two or three leaves. Or do you cut back new growth to two or three leaves before it fully extends and hardens off?

 

[rockm]

I know oaks in general can be difficult to convince to ramify. But my recent attempts with southern live oak seem particularly frustrating. Those of you with Q virginiana ( @rockm ), do you use the typical techniques - let growth extend and harden off, then cut back to two or three leaves. Or do you cut back new growth to two or three leaves before it fully extends and hardens off?

Allowing the tree to push extension growth can help. Full sun does too. But pruning into old wood is one of the best ways to get back budding

Defoliation can help too but it can be very risky if the tree isn’t real strong

 

[BrianBay9]

Allowing the tree to push extension growth can help. Full sun does too. But pruning into old wood is one of the best ways to get back budding

Defoliation can help too but it can be very risky if the tree isn’t real strong

Thanks for the tips.