Monkey Puzzle trees

[FRISKA]

We have a monkey puzzle tree growng in our lawn. It gets plenty of sun, reasonably well drained and seems to be in good condition. However, although the main branches come in swirls of 3 or 4 per layer (fourth layer is just sprouting) the tree never puts out side branches from the main swirl branches. This means that the tree is quite open wherear other monkey trees in our area have branches sprouting off the main branches. Does anyone know if there are different species of m.p.t ? If so, what type is ours and will side branches eventually show? Any advice appreciated.

[ethandron]

we have one growing in a large pot which we've had for about 5 years. it's about 4 ft. high. last year about half the branches developed a sort of 'fatness' at the end of the branches which have now turned into very small divisions of the original branch. also, the top of the main stem has this year grown a 'crown' of 5 swellings which look as if they're going to turn into branches too.
reading up about it, they're very slow growing so i guess patience is the answer. we have ours hooked up to our watering system so it does get watered regularly during the summer. don't know if that makes a difference.
i can't find any information about different species so i imagine that the large ones are just pretty old, well established and thriving.

[FRISKA]

Ethandron - Many thanks for you answer. I suppose we can only be patient.

[tinpotLizzie]

We have had a monkey puzzle for 24 years now. Named George, he lived in a pot for the first 4 years then went into the garden since when, he's never looked back & is now around 12 feet high.
They do take a few years to start making "fingers" on the end of the arms so be patient, they will come.
Bearing in mind they (Chilean Pine) come from a mountain region, they are pretty tough & will cope with most conditions without complaint.

[FRISKA]

Thank you to TinpotLizzie for info re George. It looks as if patience is required. Our tree doesn't show any signs of the swellings etc on the end of the branches. The fifth layer of branches is just emerging as a crown. The first or bottom layer of branches got damaged by mowing as they dragged on the lawn so I cut them off a couple of years ago. Perhaps that upset the tree. We live in the Derbyshire Peak District and the climate etc must suit m.p.trees as there are several in the local area which must be heading towards 5O ft height.
Thanks again.