Tree Prunning
Fall is a great time to get the binoculars out and examine those leafless trees. Preventive pruning now can in many cases save you money later. The average arborist agrees, "you can pay now, or you can pay later", but generally it is less expensive to have the work done early and in most cases save a tree from possible total loss.
Winter storms and high winds can damage or destroy weak trees. Look for the following problems:
1. Weakly attached branches or dead branches (widow makers). Disinfect your saw and remove these branches. Disinfect your saw between each cut to stop the spread of diseases.
2. Narrow forks or double leaders. Tight "V" shaped forks can split. Many times you will inherit a tree with this structure and there is not much you can do with these if they are large. If you have two large main leaders and the "V" looks weak, consider thinning the canopy and lightening the load. Large double leaders can also (by a skilled Arborist) be "cabled". A process by which a cable is passed through both trunks and tightened toward each other. Smaller trees can also be corrected, by pruning out the smaller fork or "V".
3. Rot in trunk or branches can be sites where insects or pests can attack and possibly kill a tree. Have the tree inspected by an arborist.
4. Topped trees. With few exceptions trees should never be topped. If you have topped trees, look for rot in the top. If you find any, consult an arborist.
5. Leaning trees. Some trees don't grow straight and a lean is normal. Be concerned if the lean is new. Smaller trees can be staked or cabled. An arborist should look at larger trees immediately.
6. Cavities are generally caused by older damage. Cavities generally catch debris, insects and water. Rot and fungi are common. Cavities are difficult and should be evaluated by an arborist.
7. Graft unions. The tree may be grafted as many ornamental and fruit trees are. Incompatibility may cause the tree to break or crack. Some root stocks send up "suckers". These should be trimmed and removed.
Trees should be cared for all or their lives, especially when they are small. Corrective pruning when trees are young will insure years of healthy growth. Many problems can be avoided.
You may be able to go for many years without a problem. But then, Portland may get one of our famous "ice storms" or winter storms and you may lose a tree. A number of years ago we worked with a customer on the Columbia Gorge to thin a dozen large thick-canopied trees. The following winter the area was hit by a bad ice storm. The customer incurred no cost or damage. Trees all around the area were down, but our customer did not have one branch down!
And remember; never prune a tree within 15 feet of a power line. Most power companies will, for no charge, prune any tree near their power lines.
Additional information my be obtained from: www.isa-arbor.com or www.arborday.org.
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