Ash Advice

[Dutch cut]

View attachment 181449

I have a correct pruning question about the storm damaged ash pictured here. Most of what I know about pruning is to take it at the branch collar, but I have heard a couple places to leave a stub, especially for storm damaged trees. Where would you take this limb? Also why is it recommended to leave a stub sometimes? I know it popped up on one of Murphy's videos and posts at one point.

Thanks for the education.

 

[beastmaster]

A Company I work for a lot routinely leaves stubs on some trees, especially Oaks if the limb is over about 7 or 8 in. thick. The reason being is a cut that big on a mature tree in all likely hood won't heal and you'll end up with a problem down the line.
We work at a botanical gardens a lot and we do that practice there, and its accepted by all those PhD's. As always its best to cut to a branch or node so it'll hopefully re sprout. If that isn't possible we make it long enough that it will delay rot from the trunk even if it starts to decay.
To some this is controversial, were trained to cut at the branch collar, but if you think about it, it does make sense. beastmaster

 

[pdqdl]

In general, it is always proper to trim back to the branch bark collar.



Times/Places where you may not wish to trim back that far:

1. When the remaining branch stub might grow adventitious buds and the tree has been seriously injured by <whatever reason> and should have as much opportunity for branching left as possible.

2. When removing back to the branch bark collar will present a much larger injury than will be found on the remaining stub (see beastmaster comment above); this is still contingent upon the probability of growing new branches on the stub.

3. When the customer requires you to leave a stub, despite your best recommendations.

4. When you are topping the tree anyway, and don't care about the health of the tree.

And...

5. When you are removing the tree, and you just need to remove enough branch to flop the tree from the ground.

 

[ch woodchuck]

I agree with taking it to the branch collar.Sprouting Stubs might be necessary if the tree were stressed and needed the extra green growth.That tree appears healthy.Couldn't get away with stubbing out here,and is not recommended.......But thats out here.....

cheers