Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/22/2007

Question
Jim,

I have four mature and healthy C. Sempervirens in Tucson, AZ.  A windstorm a month ago rearranged a few branches that are now nearly horizontal.  I thought they would go back to original shape but not yet.  Should I trim them off, tie them up or??  Thank you.

Answer
For a tree 1 month is not much time to grow. Without seeing the extent of the damage I would leave it be until about next summer and see what happens with the spring growth. Tieing them back may not help. You could prune them but I would wait and see.