50ft pear tree with problems

[tatra805]

forestry and logging,.... hmmmm might not be the right place to ask

so this is about 1 tree, old big and hollow

I have problems getting pictures published so my description will have to do for now.

Tree stands between other younger fruit trees and is hollow from ground up for about 9ft. He survived alot of time this way but during this spring storms quite big (10 inch) branches came down (dead wood). I do see new leaves coming on about 50% of what is still up high but the other half looks as being terminal.

My question is what to do? for about 12ft the tree has a diameter of 30inch and then splits in 2 main branches running up to the estimated 50ft. (i am carefull not to estimate the tree higher but it could be) (and of course the 2 are north-south to complicate things a bit)

nobody ever cared about the status of the tree but we now have our fencing at north and south side of the tree. If it falls it for sure hits one of both.
If we can take it down in time and in a controled way we are able to lay it on its east side (west too many other trees).

Now where is the catch on such a tree? Just fell it or go in and take out the dead wood and try to get some life in it? Or go in and take it down piece by piece avoiding the hollow part till last?

As a child i used to play inside a hollow willow. The tree never came down and was only taken away due to road works so maybe that is why i am ignoring the 9ft chamber.

I am not a pro nor do i claim having any climbing experiences except of rock-climbing that is. I was cutting in trees but that can be classified as school example of how-not-to i presume.

Been felling more difficult (restricted place, barberchair vollunteers etc) and bigger trees than this one but never had a go on a hollow tree like this.

Advise apreciated!

 

[Hummer]

It's hard for me to imagine a 50 ft. pear tree. Fruit trees here are seldom allowed to grow beyond 16 ft. An old tree like that surely functions as a reservoir for insect pests that affect the health and production of the surrounding fruit trees. Taking it out completely is probably the best thing.

I can't advise how best to do that but I'd be reluctant to climb anything with old or hollow branches. Without a bucket truck it may be best to deconstruct the fence and fell the tree so you can work safely from the ground.

 

[tatra805]

Thanks hummer for the reply.

Yeah 50ft is unusual in 'production' fruit trees but we had at least a dozen of those back home. They just grow that big but nobody is interested in them as harvesting is a pain.

I never thought about the insect pest thing.... you might have given me a final argument there ...

 

[Sprig]

Gotta agree with Hummer, its big, old and neglected (hey! I just described myself lol), and it sounds like it is in decline. I'd reccomend getting a pro out there to assess it before killing it though especially if it is still producing, it could still survive and be productive with a major reduction imho, I have seen some amazing old fruit trees survive some brutal loppings and live on producively to this day, trees are truely survivors. At 50' some odd, well yer not climbing to pick so its grounded fruit, good for many things from 'shine' and jams to critter food. I think most important is to get to know it and really think it out before killing it, it may have many years left with some simple management. Oh, if its bearing fruit, get some babies started for sure, heritage fruit trees, hm, can't go much wrong with keeping them around imho.



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