Can I prune my sumac to make it bushier?

Yes, you can prune the stems back in late winter to encourage branching. This will help the plant look fuller in the spring.

Does sumac need fertilizer?

No, Smooth sumac is adapted to poor soils and rarely needs any extra fertilizer.

Smooth sumac: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sunlight the plant receives.
Check if the plant is competing with nearby trees for light.
Look at the distance between the leaf nodes on the stems.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems will be long with large gaps between the leaves, and the plant will lean heavily toward the nearest light source. It may also fail to produce its signature red fruit clusters.
What to do: If possible, prune back surrounding trees or shrubs that are shading your sumac. If it is in a permanently shady spot, consider transplanting it to a location with full sun.
Excessive nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very fast with long, weak stems and lush green leaves but very few flowers. This often happens if it is planted near a heavily fertilized lawn.
What to do: Stop applying high nitrogen fertilizers near the root zone. Let the plant grow naturally, as it prefers lean, well drained soil.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your smooth sumac

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is so leggy that it is falling over or breaking, you should prune it back in late winter to encourage denser growth. Otherwise, it is just a sign of the plant's environment.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your sumac in a wide open space with full sun exposure to ensure it stays compact and healthy.

Smooth sumac: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smooth sumac and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune my sumac to make it bushier?: Yes, you can prune the stems back in late winter to encourage branching. This will help the plant look fuller in the spring.
Does sumac need fertilizer?: No, Smooth sumac is adapted to poor soils and rarely needs any extra fertilizer.

Why is my Smooth sumac growing so tall and thin?