Advice on how to proceed w/girdling

[Stephen Moore]

O and if anyone knows of an older reference, please post a link! And Stephen, after more experience you won't be so cautious or fearful. You prune branches all the time with little concern, right?

I’m not afraid to do it, I simply don’t because I don’t have the time. I’m booked doing straight removals till winter. I don’t advertise and I can’t beat them off with a stick.

 

[JD3000]

Plus...root pruning sucks!

 

[Stephen Moore]

Yes it does! Another fine reason to cut that puppy down!

 

[JD3000]

Nah...root prune it.

 

[guymayor]

Stephen I charge the same rate for pruning branches or roots so being busy is no reason to cut puppies down instead of caring for trees.

 

[JD3000]

Ugh. I charge more for root pruning

 

[guymayor]

“Root pruning is hard, dirty work, and the results are not always obvious, so it is usually discussed more than it is practiced.” After reading these discouragingbut-true words in Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Tree, Shrubs and Vines by Harris, Clark and Matheny, it is no surprise that many arborists would rather not deal with root collar examinations (RCXs) to manage stem-girdling roots (SGRs).

 

[ATH]

I actually enjoy it! I know it is really helping the tree for the long-term. Don't mind getting a little dirt under the nails.

 

[evo]

Ugh. I charge more for root pruning

ME too! And why would you not! Have to sharpen everything, different tools, disposable tools, and clean everything after. Well I actually charge a higher day/hourly rate, as there is no way you can bid something you cannot see

 

[JD3000]

And you might need compressor and air spade or knife.

 

[ATH]

Well yeah....without one you can forget about my earlier statement saying I enjoy working on the roots. I sucks without air excavation!

 

[guymayor]

I like the manual method fine. What really bothers me is when root pruning is criticized as impractical by people who lie to sell removals.