Maple Crotch
Pruning Trees for Better Structure Reduces Failures
Pruning Trees for Better Structure Reduces Failures
Proper pruning is one of the most effective ways to reduce tree failures. A tree failure can be caused by a variety of reasons. One of the most important is tree species. Trees such as eucalyptus or liquidambar are prone to branch failures. Flowering pears, maples and oaks are prone to limb failures or trunk failures where limbs or trunks meet in a "v" shape at the crotch. Eucalyptus, pines and oaks may fail at the root zone because of heavy canopies or decay of the root system caused by fungi. Understanding failure patterns for tree species allows the Certified Arborists at TreePro to make recommendations for the correct type and amount of pruning that is required. For example, a flowering pear tree with multiple trunks that meet in the same area is very prone to trunk failure. A eucalyptus or liquidambar with long horizontal limbs and excessive end weight will likely shed branches during winter storms. Oak trees with root fungi and root loss may fall over during the rainy season. Correctly pruning trees with these structural defects helps to prevent failures. Crown reduction also known as crown shaping and crown thinning are two types of pruning that help reduce failures. Crown reduction decreases the height or spread of a tree. Crown thinning consists of selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, air movement and reduce weight. Crown cleaning is the selective removal of dead, dying, weak or diseased branches. Weight reduction and weak or dead limb removal are the primary benefits from these methods of pruning for hazard reduction. Steps to hazard reduction pruning 1. Identify structural defects in the tree canopy and inspect the trunk and root zone for potential decay or damage. Defects include weak limb or trunk attachments, heavy limbs or tops, dead or dying branches, proximity to utilities, recent construction activity that may have damaged the root zone, cracks in trunks or limbs or evidence of insect or disease problems that may weaken branches or trunks. 2. Develop a plan for the type and amount of pruning required. Each tree species has a different pattern of common failures. Understanding these failure patterns allows the Certified Arborists at TreePro to develop a pruning plan best suited for each tree in your home or business landscape. 3. Crown reduction (crown shaping) and crown thinning reduce end weight by reducing the ends of branches. Pruning cuts to lower or inner laterals can reduce the height or spread of a tree while retaining its natural shape. (HarrisArboriculture Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines 2004) Pruning cuts should be made to a lateral branch 1/3 to 1/2 the diameter of the parent branch. The key to maintaining a tree's natural shape is accomplished by making the right choices on how much to reduce a limb and choosing the right location to cut back to. Overall pruning should be kept to 25% of green foliage per pruning season according to the International Society of Arboriculture. Crown cleaning removes dead or weak branches that are likely to fail. Improper pruning causes tree failures There are several improper "pruning" techniques that can actually increase the likelihood of tree failures. The most notorious practice is topping or heading trees. Topping trees causes several problems including rapid re-growth of limbs that are weakly attached and prone to failure; decay at the topping site that leads to future limb or trunk failures; and heavy canopies that may cause future failure of the entire tree. Another type of improper pruning is known as "lion tailing". Lion tailing involves overthinning the interior of a tree and leaving all the weight at the ends of the limbs, leaving a tuft of foliage at the tip similar to the fur on a lion's tail. Placing all the growth and weight at the end of the limb is the opposite of proper weight reduction accomplished by crown shaping or thinning to lateral cuts. These interior branches also provide nutrients that help develop caliper and strength along the length of the branches. By properly pruning your trees you can reduce tree failures and promote better health and structure. Depend on the Certified Arborists at TreePro to provide your trees with the care they deserve.
About the Author
Ron Wallace
Certified Arborist WE 0979A
TreePro Professional Tree Care
treepro@sbcglobal.net
1-888-TREEPRO
CROTCH ROCKETS at Maple Grove
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