Blue Spruce

[JJackson]

How well does blue spruce take a prunning, the utility I am contracted to is going to be pruning back some limbs from a couple of blue spruce trees next to the high voltage lines, we will be doing branch collar cuts. Also how well do they do after topping, I know its bad but its even worse when it knock out everybodies power and causes a fire, we are seeking to remove these tree but I want to be prepared to discuss this with the utilities cutomer. I have been told that topping usually kills them, but the only experience I have with spruces is on red,white and black and not invlolving topping. Before somone preaches to me about topping, its not my first choice but may be the only way the cutomer will have it under the high voltage lines and transformer. I do make and effort to educate the utilites customers about topping, proper pruning cuts, and proper tree planting near high voltage lines. Thanks for the replies in advance.

 

[WMTP]

We have topped a few for utility company and none have died if there in right of way say under or right next to the line then you have no other options but to top them but as long as they are healthy they shouldnt die when topped.

 

[topnotchtree]

I have had to top many blue spruce for the same reason. Its kinda a shame because it is very hard to make them look decent after topping them. How much needs to come off? I have never heard of a spruce tree dying because of being trimmed for powerlines. Can you get any pics? Let us know what happens.

 

[NeTree]

Yeah, it looks like crap... but if it's the only alternative other than removal, at least the tree can still add some benefits.

Never seen one croak over it. I'll snap some pics of a row done near me about 10 years ago and post later.

 

[JJackson]

Yeah I figured they would look funny, if I ever buy a digital camera I will try to get some pictures of the utilities work. Can't wait to call the customer for the first time next week.