Training a Chaste Tree (Vitex) into a Multi-Trunk Form

Pruning expert Rick Smith outlines a plan for shaping a young chaste tree into a three- to four-trunk specimen like a crape myrtle. Remove the lowest, least desirable trunk at the base. Use the strongest sucker from the base to become the third trunk. Clean up basal suckers up to the desired canopy height. In the canopy, remove every other vigorous sucker and any crossing branches. Reduce the tallest shoots by one-third, staggering cuts and pruning to outward-facing buds at a sloping angle. Since vitex blooms on new growth, spring pruning won’t sacrifice flowers.

vitex for pruning

vitex for pruning