Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Thursday Triva
Dale Lenz
Most folks think that pruning live branches from a tree is good. We all know pruning produces more clear wood from the truck of the tree. What are some of the negative sides of pruning live branches from a tree?
Re: Thursday Triva
Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level
Introduction of disease is one that comes to mind but I know there are others. Timing, another issue for fruit and flowering trees.
Tom
Re: Thursday Triva
Dale Lenz
Those are all correct, as you said there are others. Thanks for your answers.
Re: Thursday Triva
Larry Barrett
If cut made too close to trunk, or too far away, hard for tree to heal properly. Also, if cut made only from top of branch, there is a chance that branch will tear off bark as it falls; should make a cut from bottom of branch first, then continue from top, especially when pruning large branches.
Those are all...
Dale Lenz
good pruning practices, Larry, thanks.
Re: Thursday Triva
Alex Y
Making the tree "top heavy" both in weight and wind resistance, increasing the probability of storm damage.
Less food for Bambi and other foragers.
Re: Thursday Triva
John Veerkamp
On many species the pruning will encourage water sprouts. This excessive new growth is usually weak and prone to other physical damage. Open wounds also permit insect intrusion.
Very good....
Dale Lenz
Gents, all get a star for today's trivia. The one answer I was particular looking for was: removal of food. Every leaf is a food factory and by removing live branches you are reducing the food the tree can make and use, just something to think about. I would not recommend to prune a stressed tree, in most cases.
Have a great 4th.