Final_draft.odt
this is the final version being sent to
the library for binding!
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This tree was topped 4 years ago. It was healthy at the time it was topped and is now dead. It should have been taken down completely when it was topped as it now presents a safety hazard as it decays besides being an eyesore. Homeowners want smaller trees for many reasons. Improving the view, building clearance and fear of tall trees falling down are just some that I have heard. Proper pruning can meet the goals of the homeowner while minimizing future problems with tree health. |
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This tree has lost the food production and mechanical strength of about one third of its roots. This will cause irreversable damage to your valuable landscape trees. There are alternatives to trenching by backhoe. An Air-spade can make the necessary trench without damaging the roots. |
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Acceptable method of pruning an unwanted tree for power line clearance. |
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Jim conducted a cavity and decay inspection of an urban tree at the request of the homeowner. He was concerned that large portions of the tree would fall and injure someone. Close visual inspection as well as a stress-test for mechanical strength show the tree is unlikely to fail soon. Repeat inspections are recommended on an annual basis in the spring to monitor the tree ... |
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... and its inhabitants. |
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Trees must be touched to be understood. |
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Looking up a giant sequoia. |
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Jim removed this dangerous limb from a residential neighborhood tree. He calls this his 'fish' picture, akin to landing a large halibut and posing next to it! |
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Initial thoughts of what could cause some branches to die included:
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A closer inspection showed girdled bark on all the dead branches, no bark damage on the live branches. Conclusion: Rodents sheltered in the hedge during the deep snow of winter ate the bark, killing some but not all the branches. Additional comments from my forester father: "Pulling out a dead branch is one of the
first things after having a look from about 15 or 20 feet away. Then one can
look for borer insect holes, teeth marks, fungi or whatever up close with
the "ever present" 10x glass one carries on a string. In this case, the
tooth marks size will probably tell you which rodent is guilty.
There's also a "snow mold" that is frequent on cedar type plants. |
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These trees were topped as an alternative to complete removal. They will be removed after replacement trees have grown somewhat. |
(435) 770-3035