At this time of year the leaf buds are starting to break on the various tree species in GSM3 that I keep in bounds by letting them grow one metre tall and keeping them to this height by pruning. I look at this as a form of browsing which, of course, happens to many wild trees and shrubs where browsing animals are present.
The picture above shows the top of the GSM3 hornbeam tree which has been trimmed annually and seems in abundant good health with the buds for the coming season are swelling to break point.
