By Shearer43
United Kingdom 
The recent gale force winds has snapped by Red Robin tree although it was staked it snapped off about 8 inches from root. Is there anyway that I can save any of this tree?
7 Jan, 2012
Answers
Examine the break first. If it is a ragged, splintered break then Juliens advice is good. If the break is smoother and the edges slightly rounded then the tree has probably been grafted and you are just left with the rootstock which will grow on as a more common Photinia. This is not the best time of year for cuttings but I would take a few anyway - you have nothing to lose.
7 Jan, 2012
Many thanks to Bulbaholic & Julien, but unfortunately it had completely snapped off but have taken your advice and neaten the break and live in hope it will shoot again although it will take a few years to get to the same size.
7 Jan, 2012
In April my neighbour's Photinia looked completely dead. We took a saw to it and left two stumps about 6 inches from the ground with a view to removing the roots when more convienent. It has too our amazement put on some lovely growth and looks great!
7 Jan, 2012
ironicly your plant may have snapped because of the steak .
8 Jan, 2012
Indeed NP!!! Tree stakes need to be loosely applied, diagonally to the stem, in the first place, to allow the tree to move, provide support initially and to develop strength in their stem, and then removed completely before the tree and its roots become reliant on the stake rather than its own stem for support - usually one or two years at the most. As you say ... the stake may have been the problem if the photinia had no strength of its own!!
10 Jan, 2012
its the same for people . i have spondeloses in my back which effects my syactick nerve excuse the spelling . ive now gota bad week leg from using a walking stick from using said walking stick .
11 Jan, 2012
Catch 22?? Real and total bummer for you. You are very brave and determined, and still sound so cheerful - you have my respect and admiration.
11 Jan, 2012
thank you so much avkq47 not worth dwelling on it . what is is .
12 Jan, 2012
Che sera sera - in italian - what will be, will be ... I do hope that if I get anything serious I will be as strong and optimistic as you are!
12 Jan, 2012
you just got to think in the now . i could and have sat down and snivelled about it but it didnt change a thing .
12 Jan, 2012
Has it completely snapped off? if so then tidy whats remaining with a clean cut, it should reshoot from whats left, Photinia are normally quite good at responding if hard pruning is carried out so i think you should be ok, could you let us know later in the spring/early summer how it is going, thanks julien.
7 Jan, 2012