In a message dated 09/12/2004 15:24:27 GMT Standard Time,
TonyVowell@xxxxxxxx.gov.uk writes:
Has anyone used the 'retrenchment pruning' techinique on
old/veteran/overmature trees in order to create a more compact and
better balanced crown, and if so, how did it turn out.
This seemed to be common practice amongst certain Arbs a dozen or so years
ago and I shamefacedly admit that I've reduced a lot of Oak parkland trees
over
the years, I wouldn't necessarily rule it out these days but I wouldn't be
quite so cavalier about it either.
I have to say that some quite drastically reduced Oaks seem to have quite
happily tolerated this treatment. I once savagely pruned an Oak (it must have
lost 60% of the height and spread) in a back garden up the road from me as it
was
absolutely bristling with ganaderma conks. I looked at it a decade later and
it seemed to have lost all the conks and was well leafed. I'll have another
look at it but the client has moved now.
I've also savaged a few Beech with the specific intention of leaving a
standing carcass only to find that they continue to grow. There was an
excellent
example of this at Roundhay in Leeds; Steve Allan had even tried to break off
some large branches of Beech there, leaving some fairly raggy branch wounds.
But
the beast continued to grow, thrive even.
I think that if you're trying to do this with a view to compensating for
extensive root damage then you're probably just going to end up with a
carcass,
but the job you describe (at least as I envisage it) sounds well worth a try
Tone.
Give it a go and record the results.
Bill.
______________________________________________________________________
TREE SERVICES MANAGER - GBP 24,648-GBP 26,702 plus Essential User Car
Allowance
Leading small & enthusiastic team you will be responsible for overall
management of trees, planning issues & Tree Preservation Orders.
Three years local government experience & at least a National Diploma in
Arboriculture, or degree in arboriculture or equivalent.
Application form & further details can be found on www.eastleigh.gov.uk
Closing date: 31 December 2004 Interview date: 17 January 2005
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