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Aggressive low branch removal on same tree<\/p><\/div>\n
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Native tree in full sun with all its low limbs, about 5 inches diam.<\/p><\/div>\n
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You will notice that in a forest setting,\u00a0 tree trunks are usually free of low branches, shooting toward the sky like giant columns.\u00a0 This is because the heavy shade of the overstory causes young branches to die away very quickly (and any parts remaining on the tree get swallowed up just like your hammock hooks).\u00a0 In a prairie setting, or in a man-made one, these low branches have enough light for the leaves (and therefore the branches) to stay alive.\u00a0 This can actually be a problem for the tree structurally, and for the average homeowner, who finds his or her small piece of the planet made less usable by these low limbs.\u00a0 So low branches do need to be removed.\u00a0 But it must be done gradually,\u00a0 <\/em>a few per season, as the tree adds upper limbs to compensate for the leaf loss.\u00a0 Only <\/em>if this removal has been neglected for too long\u00a0and<\/em> if the tree is large enough to withstand it should you remove a large number of them at once.\u00a0 An exception<\/em><\/strong> to removing young branches is certain species that evolved in such a way that low branch retention is important to their long term health, such as magnolias and certain oaks and conifers.<\/p>\n Removal of lower branch requires careful upper cut with saw<\/p><\/div>\n Poor branch spacing on young live oak<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Besides low branch removal, branches that have very little space between them require one of them to be removed, as shown above.\u00a0 Branches that have a very sharply angled space between them also need to be removed. These types of limbs often have included bark, which often leads to splitting years later when the branches involved are much bigger.\u00a0 This is especially important when there are two or more upright stems involved that are similar in diameter.\u00a0 These are called codominant stems, and can lead to disastrous failures when the tree is mature. In some species, like Bradford pear, codominant stems are an unavoidable genetic characteristic of the tree (and one reason to avoid this species).\u00a0 On others, they are sometimes the result of damage, or poor pruning in the nursery, and can often be corrected if caught early.<\/p>\n Finally, the most important thing to remember when performing branch removal is that it is absolutely essential<\/em> that it be done properly<\/em>, especially if the branch is of significant size (maybe more than an inch in diameter on most trees).\u00a0 This means following the proper pruning guidelines shown on my pruning page.<\/p>\n As always, you can call me to arrange an on-site consultation.\u00a0 I can advise you personally on how to prune young trees, or on species selection and placement prior to planting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a9 2019\u00a0 guy leblanc\u00a0 all rights reserved Pruning young trees requires an understanding of how trees grow.\u00a0 Sounds obvious, but in truth many people lack even a basic understanding of this.\u00a0 There are three key points one needs to know … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/treecarebyguy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/img013-150x150.jpg\")
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