Trimming more than half of branches on one side of tree

[climbingmonkey24]

Surprise surprise! Another neighbor job. Customer wants to trim everything going over her side up past the roof to avoid squirrels jumping to her house. More than half way up to the top. Getting permission shouldn’t be an issue, my concern is what do you guys think about basically pruning everything on one side of the tree like that? It’s likely not going to look even. Could it harm the tree? I understand the reasoning why but could there be an alternative that would be more advisable?

 

[Basswood]

What’s with people and a fear of squirrels.

 

[oldoakman]

Would she have half her digestive system removed for no good reason? Sometimes you have to say no to a job because it is unethical for you to do it.

 

[Basswood]

Create a further hazard out of, what looks like, a previously topped oak because little furry rodents on roof are scary!

 

[southsoundtree]

All pruning wounds on live wood hurts trees.

Squirrel damage might be in play.

 

[Jonny]

Those fuzzy little bastards are up to no good, I just know it.

It does look like it could use some pruning but not everything circled. Also I’d wait until it’s dormant to prune anything. Is it pin oak?

 

[climbingmonkey24]

Would she have half her digestive system removed for no good reason? Sometimes you have to say no to a job because it is unethical for you to do it.

I know, that’s what I was thinking, I was just curious on others opinions.

 

[climbingmonkey24]

What’s with people and a fear of squirrels.

The squirrels are getting on the house from the tree branches it sounded like.

 

[Basswood]

The squirrels are getting on the house from the tree branches it sounded like.

Is that causing damage to her roof somehow?

 

[Hedgeking]

Would she have half her digestive system removed for no good reason? Sometimes you have to say no to a job because it is unethical for you to do it.

yes, I agree. but it can also be done that you make them understand, the disadvantage, and the harm it can do the tree.

 

[Tuebor]

If the squirrels are causing problems on her house, then that's a house issue and not a tree issue.

 

[Brocky]

Oak Leaf Wilt disease, if present in your area, would restrict pruning, and in some cases removal, during this time of year.

 

[ghostice]

Before I’d assault the tree I’d start using squirrel traps.
These work very well with peanut butter or peanuts and walnuts as bait. This model (1083) has an adjustable thumb screw to adjust the trip sensitivity - works slick.

Havahart 1083 Easy Set One-Door Animal Trap for Squirrels and Small Rabbits : Amazon.ca: Patio, Lawn & Garden

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Larger traps may get skunks or raccoons.
Then a big garbage bag over the trap quiets them down, on their car-ride to the twilight zone. Just another option. Cheers.