How do I perform a reduction cut on the trunk where branches are thin?
I inherited trees from the previous owner, and I am not looking to replace them right now.
Tree: Coastal live oak
Goal: reduction cut to remove tallest 1/4th - 1/3rd branch/trunk.
Issue: Branch thickness is too small compared to trunk thickness. Same issue with a couple of other branches. It is my understanding that when performing a reduction cut, the smaller limb should have at least 1/3rd the thickness of the limb you are going to cut. My concern is if I cut a thick branch/trunk, a smaller limb might not become a leader from the cut area, and instead, shoots will grow from the cut.
How do I handle this?
More detail:
1A. I want to remove the main branch; the 4.14 inch in diameter.
1B. Has 4 branches. I want to cut the two biggest ones; 3.67inch diameter of the biggest branch, and the 2.7 inch diameter of the second biggest branch.
Comments (6)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
last yearRelated Discussions
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last yearYes tree is too big :(
I want to do this because we are not comfortable with the height of the tree.
My ultimate goal is to have a shorter tree.
You are right. I am talking about topping the tree :( I don't like the idea either. But I prefer it over its current height. But topping the tree makes it grow shoots and that does not solve the issue of height. So thinking is climb a reasonable height on the tree, find the tallest/thickest/leader branch there, cut it, and keep doing this once or twice a year.
Picture of whole tree.
krnuttle
last yearEmbothrium
last yearlast modified: last yearfour (9B near 9A)
last yearlast modified: last yearWhat he described and showed in first two photos is drop crotch, not topping. It is an acceptable technique of height reduction which is the goal elucidated in the beginning. Line in his third photo should be regarded as rough indication of height desired after drop crotch, instead of regarding it as any method.
Note that I agree with "priceless source of shade in the middle of a large area of heat reflecting surfaces". And for that reason wish that he not do it.
Embothrium