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About Sean J Murphy, LA
Expertise
I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.

Experience
I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.

Organizations
American Society of Landscape Architects, Keep Smyrna Beautiful, ULI, Smyrna Downtown Development Authority, Smyrna Downtown Task Force,

Publications
Landscape Architect and Specifier News, Atlanta Homes Magazine, Landscape Architecture Magazine, Coastal Living, Magazine

Education/Credentials
Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988, Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994, Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994, University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995, Post University Mini MBA 2000, Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993, Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993,

Awards and Honors
ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN, ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta. Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006. South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design, Many more!!! too many to list here

Past/Present clients
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, The State of Georgia, City of Powdersprings, City of Stockbridge, Post Properties, Bayfair Homes, John Willis Homes, Pulty Homes, Serenbe Development, Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Exterior Decorating > Landscaping & Design > columnar oak

Landscaping & Design - columnar oak


Expert: Sean J Murphy, LA - 8/28/2008

Question
Hello:

I planted a ‘columnar’ Oak tree about 10 years ago. It was supposed to be slow growing and a ‘bushy’ tree.  Instead it is a skinny over 30 feet tall stick.  It looks ugly. If I cut it back to the ground completely, what are the chances that I can get it to grow more bushy and train it better this time.  At the base, it is approximately 6 inches in diameter.  Or, am I better off to dig the stump out and start with a new tree.

Thanks,
Bob


Answer
Bob, Its a COLUMNAR OAK. That should tell you something.
Its not a bush. Please don't try to train a tree that is supposed to be 60 plus feet tall to be a 20foot meat ball. If you want a small tree please consult your local nurseryman for small trees that grow in your climate. Check the tags on the tree before you buy/plant the tree and consult books or the Internet on the growth habits before you plant the next tree. (By the way, don't ever trust the sales people of big home stores to know anything about plants) Most likely you'll need to select a fruiting or flowering tree to get something that remains small and bushy. I would advise you on some options but your question did not state your location.

Best of Luck
Sean

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