"Shigo V-Cut"??

guymayor · Jun 20, 2016

I've been pruing trees for 50 years, but just heard this term for the first time.

Anyone know what it means?

jmaher · Jun 21, 2016

This is a pruning cut? My first thought with the V is a crane cut..

Treezybreez · Jun 21, 2016

A special way to trim your beard?

guymayor · Jun 21, 2016

I never saw a beard on Ol' Alex.

KTSmith · Jun 21, 2016

Folks use that term for a specific pattern of utility line clearance for trees growing directly beneath the wires. So the "V" is that opening in the crown, with branches left on either side growing above and beyond the wires. Alex didn't really like that style much, but he does show it as "correct" on pages 21 and 28 of the "little yellow book" ("Pruning Trees Near Electric Utility Lines"). It does provide the compromise of having large-ish trees beneath utility lines without tipping/topping/roundovers. Alex's usual preference was to have only small trees or no trees directly beneath lines...or have the utilities buried (which poses its own problems).

guymayor · Jun 21, 2016

The transition from roundover pruning has been painful. utilities used to do more of a "U-Cut", clearing only a short distance below the wires. Then some began to deep-dive, taking off branches way below the lines, and even below the bundle of communications wires. This results in huge wounds, imbalance, and
high risk, which are worsened after sprouts are removed on the next visit.

I'm trying to encourage a return to U-cutting, and directional pruning on the regrowth. The pushback is fierce, but no one can tell me why V-cutting way beyond clearance limits (MVD) is necessary, or even desirable. I'm afraid that Alex might be spinning cartwheels if he saw cuts like this made in his name!

JustinK · Jun 21, 2016

Also found this....used it but never knew it had a name.

KTSmith · Jun 21, 2016

Sure, that is quite a mess...and all too commonly seen! Folks still think that the return interval will be longer if the tree is hacked harder.
As an aside, here at the lab we still refer to "target pruning" and "the meter" rather than using Al's name as an adjective or modifier. So often his name is invoked to support stuff that he would have railed against. Sometimes I point to those instances, other times I let them go by.

KTSmith · Jun 21, 2016

Thanks JustinK, I don't think I've seen that saw technique before...beyond my skill level!

guymayor · Jun 21, 2016

thanks Justin; that really takes me back!

"Folks still think that the return interval will be longer if the tree is hacked harder." It's amazing how bereft of biological understanding they are. I'm out measuring regrowth today--over 2'/year these 90 year old oaks are sprouting after the huge wounds are inflicted. Waaayyyless after conservative directional pruning.