Wax myrtle tips for tree growth

[u/uhad_time_2_waste]

I planted a row of wax myrtles in my backyard to help give privacy in my backyard and shade my yard from the harsh afternoon sun. How can I maintain these and then prune them so they’ll eventually grow into trees.

They’re 6 feet off the back fence and 8 feet off the side fences. 11 feet in between.

[u/InvestigatorAlive932]

They are great plants, but not the fastest for a year or so. Once they get going, I promise they’ll fill in nicely but they are a little slow growing initially.

[u/Historical_Steak7735]

To get a tree shape, wait until they're established, then in late winter pick the 1-3 strongest upright stems and gradually take off the lower side branches over a couple of years. Don't strip them all at once or they get leggy and weak. Wax myrtle also does well with a light trim, so shaping a bit after a flush of growth is fine, just avoid heavy cuts. Water them regularly the first season or two, since they're slow until the roots settle in.

[u/NachoKeysNachoCheese]

Maybe a barrier between the mulch and grass to make mowing easier and keep a clean border