Hi @philcas
You've actually identified a really common issue with young Rowan (Sorbus) trees, and yes, absolutely remove those berries! You're spot on to be concerned about the drooping branches. What you're seeing is a classic case of a young tree that simply hasn't developed enough lignification (woody strengthening) in its branches to support a full crop of berries.
Understanding Young Tree Development
At 7 feet tall, your rowan is still very much a juvenile tree that's putting most of its energy into establishing its root system and main framework. The branches haven't had time to develop the thick, woody structure needed to support the weight of those gorgeous orange berry clusters. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about long-term.
Young trees often get a bit overenthusiastic about fruiting before they're physically ready to handle the load. It's nature's way of trying to reproduce early, but it can actually stress the tree and potentially damage the branch structure if left unchecked.
Remove the Stakes Too
Here's the crucial bit: you should also remove the stakes you've put up to support the branches. I know it feels counterintuitive, but those supports are actually preventing your rowan from developing the strength it needs. Trees need to move and flex in the wind to develop what's called 'reaction wood' - the extra-strong wood that forms in response to mechanical stress.
When you stake or support branches, you're essentially telling the tree "don't bother getting stronger here," which keeps the branches thin and whippy. It's like keeping someone in a bed when they need to be doing physiotherapy to build muscle strength. The tree needs that gentle wind movement to signal to its cells to lay down stronger, thicker wood fibres.
The Berry Removal Process
Go ahead and cut off all those berry clusters with clean secateurs. Make your cuts just above a leaf node or side shoot, and don't worry about being too precise - the tree will easily cope with this type of pruning. You're essentially doing the tree a massive favour by removing this excess burden.
The berries are beautiful, but they're literally weighing down branches that should be putting their energy into growing thicker and stronger. Think of it like asking a teenager to carry heavy shopping when they should be focusing on growing taller and stronger first.
What to Expect Going Forward
Once you remove the supports and berries, your rowan will start to develop much stronger branches over the next couple of growing seasons. You might notice some initial swaying in the wind, but this is exactly what the tree needs. Within 2-3 years, those same branches will easily support full crops of berries without any drooping.
Young rowans typically need 3-5 years to develop sufficient branch strength for heavy fruiting. By removing this year's berries, you're investing in many years of better, stronger berry displays in the future.
Bonus Rowan Berry Jelly Recipe
Since you'll be removing all those lovely berries, why not put them to good use! Here's a simple rowan berry jelly recipe:
Rowan Berry Jelly: • 1kg rowan berries (wash and remove stalks) • 500ml water • Juice of 1 lemon • Sugar (amount depends on juice yield)
Simmer berries with water for 20 minutes until soft. Strain through muslin overnight - don't press the pulp or you'll get cloudy jelly. Measure the juice and add 450g sugar per 600ml juice. Add lemon juice, bring to rolling boil and boil until setting point (about 10-15 minutes). Pour into sterilised jars. The jelly has a lovely tart flavour that's perfect with game or cheese!
Tree Care Forum Discussions
For more guidance on young tree care and pruning techniques, check out these helpful discussions:
• Fruit tree pruning for cherries and tree guards - Young tree support and development • How far to plant trees against fences - Tree planting and establishment advice • Oak tree in pot - Managing young tree growth
Essential Tree Pruning Guides
• How to Prune an Apple Tree: Ultimate Beginner Guide - Formative pruning principles for young trees
• How to prune pear trees: beginners pruning guide - Understanding tree development and pruning
• How to Prune Cherry Trees: beginner guide - Young tree branch management •
How to Prune Low-Hanging Fruit Tree Branches - Dealing with overloaded branches
• How to prune a fruit tree in summer - Summer pruning techniques
• Winter Vs Summer Pruning: what's the difference? - Understanding pruning timing
• Pleached Trees: planting and support guide - Tree support and training methods
Your instincts are absolutely right about this being a problem that needs addressing. By removing the berries and supports now, you're setting your rowan up for many years of healthy, strong growth and abundant berry crops in the future.
Happy gardening!
Hi @philcas
You've actually identified a really common issue with young Rowan (Sorbus) trees, and yes, absolutely remove those berries! You're spot on to be concerned about the drooping branches. What you're seeing is a classic case of a young tree that simply hasn't developed enough lignification (woody strengthening) in its branches to support a full crop of berries.
Understanding Young Tree Development
At 7 feet tall, your rowan is still very much a juvenile tree that's putting most of its energy into establishing its root system and main framework. The branches haven't had time to develop the thick, woody structure needed to support the weight of those gorgeous orange berry clusters. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about long-term.
Young trees often get a bit overenthusiastic about fruiting before they're physically ready to handle the load. It's nature's way of trying to reproduce early, but it can actually stress the tree and potentially damage the branch structure if left unchecked.
Remove the Stakes Too
Here's the crucial bit: you should also remove the stakes you've put up to support the branches. I know it feels counterintuitive, but those supports are actually preventing your rowan from developing the strength it needs. Trees need to move and flex in the wind to develop what's called 'reaction wood' - the extra-strong wood that forms in response to mechanical stress.
When you stake or support branches, you're essentially telling the tree "don't bother getting stronger here," which keeps the branches thin and whippy. It's like keeping someone in a bed when they need to be doing physiotherapy to build muscle strength. The tree needs that gentle wind movement to signal to its cells to lay down stronger, thicker wood fibres.
The Berry Removal Process
Go ahead and cut off all those berry clusters with clean secateurs. Make your cuts just above a leaf node or side shoot, and don't worry about being too precise - the tree will easily cope with this type of pruning. You're essentially doing the tree a massive favour by removing this excess burden.
The berries are beautiful, but they're literally weighing down branches that should be putting their energy into growing thicker and stronger. Think of it like asking a teenager to carry heavy shopping when they should be focusing on growing taller and stronger first.
What to Expect Going Forward
Once you remove the supports and berries, your rowan will start to develop much stronger branches over the next couple of growing seasons. You might notice some initial swaying in the wind, but this is exactly what the tree needs. Within 2-3 years, those same branches will easily support full crops of berries without any drooping.
Young rowans typically need 3-5 years to develop sufficient branch strength for heavy fruiting. By removing this year's berries, you're investing in many years of better, stronger berry displays in the future.
Bonus Rowan Berry Jelly Recipe
Since you'll be removing all those lovely berries, why not put them to good use! Here's a simple rowan berry jelly recipe:
Rowan Berry Jelly: • 1kg rowan berries (wash and remove stalks) • 500ml water • Juice of 1 lemon • Sugar (amount depends on juice yield)
Simmer berries with water for 20 minutes until soft. Strain through muslin overnight - don't press the pulp or you'll get cloudy jelly. Measure the juice and add 450g sugar per 600ml juice. Add lemon juice, bring to rolling boil and boil until setting point (about 10-15 minutes). Pour into sterilised jars. The jelly has a lovely tart flavour that's perfect with game or cheese!
Tree Care Forum Discussions
For more guidance on young tree care and pruning techniques, check out these helpful discussions:
• Fruit tree pruning for cherries and tree guards - Young tree support and development • How far to plant trees against fences - Tree planting and establishment advice • Oak tree in pot - Managing young tree growth
Essential Tree Pruning Guides
• How to Prune an Apple Tree: Ultimate Beginner Guide - Formative pruning principles for young trees
• How to prune pear trees: beginners pruning guide - Understanding tree development and pruning
• How to Prune Cherry Trees: beginner guide - Young tree branch management •
How to Prune Low-Hanging Fruit Tree Branches - Dealing with overloaded branches
• How to prune a fruit tree in summer - Summer pruning techniques
• Winter Vs Summer Pruning: what's the difference? - Understanding pruning timing
• Pleached Trees: planting and support guide - Tree support and training methods
Your instincts are absolutely right about this being a problem that needs addressing. By removing the berries and supports now, you're setting your rowan up for many years of healthy, strong growth and abundant berry crops in the future.
Happy gardening!
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