Re: proper pruning 75\' tulip
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I've no argument with having a goal of avoiding large cuts, especially in poor compartmentalizers like tulip. However, I would have preferred to not see the several stubs that were left. Seems that most could have been properly target pruned, and still been under 2-2.5". A goal should be to limit the regrowth of sprouts.
Otherwise, good job, Daniel...but one that a good climber could have performed, sans lift assist. Any limbs tough to reach could have been properly pruned with a pole saw or pruner.
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yes, this type of work can be done well by a good climber, BUT in my territory, those types of climbers are few and far in between.. Most companies are hacks, I've seen horrible pruning done by even some of the bigger names..
As far as the stubs. I do not expect the small stubs on branch tips to re-sprout, especially on tulip.And I have transcended the knee jerk reaction to target prune every cut. I AM diligent when the cut is important.. But in many cases, such as making small cuts on branch tips, it makes NO difference to the long term health of the tree, when those stubs are left.. It is far worse to cut in to the live tissue of the remaining wood, which is often the case when target pruning is attempted..
I know you guys are going to jump all over that thinking.. BUT.. tell me where you get your knowledge about how bad leaving stubs are... (when left on branch tips) . Is it only because if your training?.. Its the way you were taught and you have yet to question why... You have no empirical evidence to argue against the practice, nor is there any science... You are simply mindlessly doing as you were told.. I don't have that problem. Other than aesthetics, I have no problem leaving small stubs.. This is one area where the tree care industry needs to get "past" Shigo..
Before you go crazy with your mudslining.. just come up with the science... where is the paper that shows the harm done by leaving stubs on branch tips?
Also.. here's a PM I got on another site and my reply.. For your consideration..
Quote:
so murph, what's your opinion on raising up the lower portion of deciduous trees when main limbs are concerned? just curious. I've removed several low limbs on maples, oaks ect... Not so much tulip, around here they are strait and tall and the lowest limbs are usually around 50 ft. But to open up views, clear houses and a basic raising. on other trees we often take large limbs back to the trunk (with proper cuts).
my reply:
I try to avoid that practice, though I used to do it all the time. I do not suggest it.. if the client asks for it, I explain that is is harmful for the tree and better to leave the lower limbs so as not to make wounds on the trunk, and keep the shade on the trunk and root zone, keep away soil compacting traffic etc.. if they still insist, I suggest heavy reduction cuts on these limbs rather than removal, as it is better to allow the tree to keep the limb(s), or even if the limb dies, better to let the stub die, then cut off the dead portion after it is clear exactly where the collar is etc.. They usually listen
Good luck with everything..
D
