Save My Tree - asking assistance

[TreeGuy2214]

As you can see from the pictures, the tree has been damaged by wind. It broke off a large part of one section and split off part of the other. I have sawed off what has split and need to trim more - but am wondering if the tree can be saved as the one section growing off the main trunk leans outward and the top of that was snapped with the wind. An suggestions as to what to cut, trim, where - that will best work to save this tree would be helpful.

Let me know
Thanks
John

Also - would it be better if I deleted the photos and replaced them with the thumbnail option? Thanks

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Hi John,

Welcome to TreeBuzz!

The tree looks like a silver maple acer saccharinum. They are known for having included bark branch unions that makes them susceptible to breakage.

Don't let anyone convince you to top the tree. Take some time and learn what the difference is between topping and crown reduction. There are plenty of discussions in the archives here as well as on the web.

A good crown reduction seems in order. The catch is that there aren't a lot of qualified arborists who know how to do this work. They're out there though. As a good consumer you need to know what the two techniques involve so you can qualify the arborist. When it does come time to solicit estimates don't play your cards all at once. ASk for suggestions. Anyone who suggests topping...send them packing. Ask what they mean by topping. Let the estimator tell you, or not, about proper care.

If you'd care to share the city where you live I'll bet dollars to donuts that you'll find a good arbo here or one who would refer you to a qualified arborist.

The tree doesn't seem to be a loss. It does need some care in order to be setup for success.

 

[Zacchaeus]

Just my opinion:
Firstly, I would cut off split branch in 2nd photo. Cut off loose wood at break and bark trace the wound (like a vertical cat-eye) on the lower half where the wood is shaggy. That should facilitate good woundwood closure. Acer saccharinum has pretty quick woundwood development...
Secondly, the branch that was broke in 4th photo, I would reduce back to the major lateral branch going off to the left. If not sure of procedure and angles for reduction cuts, check with ISA or online.
Thirdly, that remaining lateral that you reduced back to... I would also reduce it's length. Not too much, but a couple feet to reduce torque and strain on the fresh wound from reduction pruning. If you reduce that branch too much, the tree won't have as much food from the leaves being created in that branch to feed the woundwood closure.
After that, my friend, sit back and wait till she seals over and continues on. If there is ANY compaction in the lawn (if you have grass that you mow in root zone), I would also mulch as much of the drip line as possible. This will get the soil and root zone back into the "natural setting" and help the tree health overall.
Good luck!

P.S. If any arborists disagree with me on these points, please say so. I'm always open to learning better ways...

 

[mrtree]

That tree can be easily saved. Simply removing the broken out half may be enough for now and leave the tree for a couple of years to respond on its own. The tree has already lost a major portion of its leaves, let the tree recover befor removing more.

 

[cbachmann]

The broken codominant in the top and resulting wound should be a major concern and deserves a close inspection. It's possible that has compromised the top above it. Perhaps crown reduction can sufficiently reduce weight and leverage. Perhaps not.

You might want to pay a good arborist to do an aerial/climbing inspection and then discuss options before doing any work.

 

[JeffOpar]

Where are you located? One of us may be close.

 

[islandarb]

Well I am in Barbados...you look near me...the plane is fuelled