Trunk diameters, v.2007

Winter time wreaks havoc for my trees. There's poor drainage in some areas. There's clay soil. Then there's occasional high wind. Measurements of truck diameters reveal some interesting facts.

The latest trees (bottom of the list) are showing the fastest growth. These have been the least demanding of conditions. I'm learning how to choose them. In fact, Sandalwood (Carson Myoporum) is nothing less than spectacular. It's been in the ground less than a year, yet it's now my the largest young tree! Probably why it's classified practically as a weed. A minor peculiariarity, however, is that the trunk measures smaller right now (by a fraction) than three months ago. Maybe it's just blockage of rainfall at that location, being not so plump with moisture.

Second most vigorous is the Brisbane Box in the backyard corner. In overall size it has matched the Photinia, which is doing fine but just not thickening as quickly in the trunk. The Lemonwood variegated in the side yard has caught up in size to the backyard Lemonwood. Both the Tenuifolium and Strawberry have gained healthy girth.

	Date planted	Original container	Trunk diam @ 12" above ground	Trunk diam @ 36" above ground
Victorian B.	3sep02	24" box	1.66 inches	1.62 inches
Tenuifolium	09oct04	5-gal	1.75 inches	1.69 inches
Photinia	15oct04	5-gal	1.34 inches	1.24 inches
Lemonwoodv.	15oct04	5-gal	1.91 inches	1.66 inches
Strawberry	15oct04	5-gal	1.72 inches	1.59 inches
Lemonwood	20oct04	15-gal	1.91 inches	1.72 inches
Brisbane B.	11dec05	5-gal	1.27 inches	1.24 inches
Sandalwood	6may06	15-gal	2.32 inches	2.10 inches

Unfortunately, the Victorian Box (or Cheesewood) out in front hasn't changed much. An average spot along the trunk measures the same size as last year! It looks okay though. I think the guy wires helping it from wind blasts are preventing it from "exercising," holding it stagnant. I'll have to do something.

Compare to last year's measurements.