'Spiral' pruning

[goodaking]

Re: \'Spiral\' pruning

Hello Tom,
I have a question about razing weight off of some large white pine branches. Would it be proper weight reduction pruning on a white pine to cut back to no more than four inches in diameter on the limb that needs to be pruned? And to the new growth.
There is a 110ft pine that I may be pruning and there are a hand full of large braches at the top that are growing way further than the lower branches. These limbs have been falling every year do to wind and heavy snow. There is a home in close proximity to the tree.
Would it be proper pruning to not go beyond the 4 inch Rule?
What do you think?
Goodaking :

 

[guymayor]

Re: \'Spiral\' pruning

[ QUOTE ]

There is a 110ft pine that I may be pruning and there are a hand full of large braches at the top that are growing way further than the lower branches. These limbs have been falling every year do to wind and heavy snow.

[/ QUOTE ]Well then they need to be reduced. What is the 4 inch Rule? An overblown guideline based on scant science, just like the 1/3 "Rule"?

Rules are too strict for Mother Nature--A. Shigo.

Cut back to make a more symmetrical crown, so each branch shares the loads. Inches do not matter, as long as you leave enough foliage that gets sunlight on each branch, and make the wounds as small as possible. In general, cutting to upright laterals leads to better sealing and a more stable form.

Make sense?

 

[jim454]

Re: \'Spiral\' pruning

yur a smart guy....Guy.

 

[guymayor]

Re: \'Spiral\' pruning

Flattery'll get you..some places, but I'm broke right now.

I don't get up big white pines all that often anymore; if there is something to that 4" thing I'd like to know; hate to rip on something i just heard about.