Can I save this tree if I cut it down?

[dennis066]

Getting off the main subject are we?

 

[Mustang71]

Idc if ya wanna go off topic and talk about fence posts. Lol I'm just saying that didn't make any sence when compared to the pictures.

 

[BC WetCoast]

You can do what you want, however the research has been done. Choose to accept it or not, your decision. Coating the cut with tar is not effective.

Besides what will happen with that fir stump is that it will pitch and the pitch will harden and partially coat the cut face. In addition the cut face will case harden over time and naturally repel water, especially if it is cut on the slope.

The argument regarding the fence post is moot, because the even if the fence post is covered in bark, the end is not. In a stump, the bark is bound to the roots and root crown prior to it being cut down.

 

[wood4heat]

So how about a follow up question. If I do cut the bad side on a slope as suggested is there a better time of year to do it? Like now while it's cool and wet, later in the spring when it's more actively growing, summer when it's warm and dry???

 

[ATH]

There is some research that indicates summer cuts result in faster wound closure. however with a wound that big, I don't think the time is going to make a difference.

 

[jefflovstrom]

I would still do it in summer.
Jeff

 

[ropensaddle]

I would still do it in summer.
Jeff

There is some research that indicates summer cuts result in faster wound closure. however with a wound that big, I don't think the time is going to make a difference.

Summer cuts tend to attract pests though right ? It is why I only trim in winter, attracting bugs transmitting disease seems counter productive to ipm and phc.

 

[ropensaddle]

I would still do it in summer.
Jeff

Well, but then; you don't have a winter

 

[Jim Timber]

So how about a follow up question. If I do cut the bad side on a slope as suggested is there a better time of year to do it? Like now while it's cool and wet, later in the spring when it's more actively growing, summer when it's warm and dry???

There's different schools of thought on this. Winter is least likely to attract pests, fungus, mold, etc; while potentially leaving the wound open longest (trim in late winter if possible). Summer subjects the tree to stress from temp and drought although it's actively growing at least one more spurt prior to winter dormancy depending how late in summer you cut it. Spring is too wet and risks rot/bugs entering the heart wood.

I still prune my apple trees in the summer since they respond with vigorous growth. I've found oak and maple will also stump sprout almost immediately when cut in the growing season. So my "un-certified by anyone" opinion would be to wait until the spring rains are likely to be over and then cut it so you get a couple growth spurts in before it goes dormant in the fall. All the trees I'm familiar with have 4 growth spurts per year (at least up here in MN).

 

[BC WetCoast]

This is a Douglas fir, a conifer, it has determinant buds, that is, the each year's growth is pre determined when the buds are set the previous year. On very rare occasions, you may get a second bud set. Totally different to your apple tree.

Given what you are doing, I don't think it matters when you cut the tree. Over the next couple of years, you should notice callous growth around the edge of the cut as the grafted roots attempt to callous over what it perceives to be a scar.

 

[CanopyGorilla]

The stump is not dead?? I do have some stumps that have sealed over and when I cut into them still live tissue, 40 years after being cut down! But in most cases we could classify a stump as dead same as a fence post.

Just like talking to a fence post

 

[Marine5068]

The bad part of leaving it is that I'm planning to build a small rustic cabin out of reclaimed materials in its fall zone. Nothing fancy, maybe 16' X 24' with a 6' covered porch on the front. I don't plan on running power but will add a small wood stove. That will be another year before I start though so I have some time to look at it.

I'd take it down now then.