Hawthorn Trees

[momtwins]

I just moved into a new house and there are three hawthorne trees in my back yard. I really don't like them, however, they will provide some shade until I can get some others growing. The are in an area that we won't necessarily have to be around much.

Does anyone has any suggestions for keeping the thorns in control. I trimed them today--all scratched up--but there are several places on the trunks that have small groups of thorns. Is there a way to wrap the trunk to keep these from growing back if I cut them off?

Thanks!!!! :D

[pruninggal]

Hawthorns have their name because they have thorns... I'm not sure that cutting them all off is worth it as new ones will appear on the the new growth every year. Thorns are the trees natural defense against predators. Did you just want them to be more friendly for your kids to be around? Don't bother wrapping the trunk - that will not be healthy for the tree. Replacement sounds like the best option...

Good luck!