What is the name of ornamental trees that appear to grow ball shaped clusters of leaves...looks like a poodle?

Question

What is the name of ornamental trees that appear to grow ball shaped clusters of leaves...looks like a poodle?

Answer 1

Many types of plants are suited to creating topiaries. Boxwood and yews, among the shrubs, and ivy, among the vines, are classics. Other favorites include dwarf junipers, rosemary, and numerous members of the ficus and citrus families. Forms are fashioned by pruning and shearing and require a lot of growing time but are well worth the effort.

There is what some people refer to as "the poodle variation" of the basic standard. Multiple growths are developed along the main stem.  The traditional design has three growths shaped into balls or flat tiers, but you can have more or less as you desire. The two shapes may even be combined for a more interesting individual. Follow the steps for making a standard, but retrain side shoots along the leader (the main upright trunk/stem) where you want to form the additional balls or tiers. Pinch these tufts of growth often to encourage fullness.

I have a paper-back book titled "The Complete Book of Topiary" by Barbara Gallup and Deborah Reich. It's pretty good. Maybe you could find it at your local bookstore.