Reduction on Western Redcedar?

[lumberjackson]

a homeowner wants this cedar "cleaned up." I think she is concerned it has outgrown its area (which it obviously has), but doesn't want it removed. I can see a problem with the 4 codominant stems in the near future, but otherwise the tree is healthy.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to make it smaller without it going away?

Thanks

 

[JeffL]

How much smaller? 3 ft on the sides and top would be cake without disfiguring. Much more than that and id tell them it might be a bit thin for a year or two. How tall is it? Own an orchard ladder and pole pruners?

 

[jeffswede]

Probably would look ugly if reduced. I would leave it alone until the HO likes it or gives in.

 

[RopeShield]

Will look just fine if pruned back 3 to 5 increments of growth for a nice reduction and follow with some shaping.

Or

A good thin and light reduction will make it look a whole lot less obtrusive as well. Being able to see through it and see its architecture is usually well appreciated by HOs.


Working from the inside out and to never stay in one place to long is my best advice. And to bring the beat box to pass the time. And the best you can afford and sharp tools as usual.

I would also say that you must enjoy this type of pruning
or it becomes mundane quickly.
A day a week of this type of prune is enough for me.

 

[Gord]

There's thousands of cedars in Vancouver area like that which have been shaped roundish, read topped and retopped every few years. They look alright if they're done well and can suit a homeowner's needs for years to come.

I would suggest starting with raising the crown and see if that's pleasing.

 

[mdvaden]

[ QUOTE ]
Will look just fine if pruned back 3 to 5 increments of growth for a nice reduction and follow with some shaping.



[/ QUOTE ]

That's similar to the first thought I had.

Sometimes I will split it in half at least.

Like shorten limbs on one side one year, then the other side the other year, so the change is more gradual.

...

 

[pruninggal]

Can you "window prune" it - ie. not raising the crown but thinning here and there. Perhaps remove the middle stem to open it up if it doesn't get rid of too much outer foliage?

IMHO raising it up isn't a good solution, esp if homeowner wants it smaller. Sometimes making it more able to see through, less of a mass, is a good compromise.

You can make some reduction cuts on WRC, depending on the size of the trunk you're dealing with ... but that would be and create an ongoing cycle of maint which they should be made aware of...

Good luck!

 

[lumberjackson]

Thanks for the advice. It's almost 30 feet tall, so it will be a good project... And her kids like to use it as a fort, so raising it is not the goal.

I will let you know how it turns out. It's my first time doing pruning like this, especially on such a big tree... Hopefully it ends well