How should I prune this water oak?

[Wildland_Firefighter]

Very old water oak on our farm. One limb is growing into the other.

Any opinions or suggestions on pruning this oak?

 

[ATH]

Just based on those pictures (but not sure I see enough), initial thought is prune the top of the crossing limbs. Mostly because the bottom one would leave a HUGE wound. However, it doesn't look like that bottom limb has a strong attachment...that is what I'd want to see better. Maybe remove the top and reduce the bottom???

 

[Jed1124]

From the pics that bottom limb looks like a tear out waiting to happen. Been there a long time though. If it was in a yard I would have a cable in it quick.

 

[Wildland_Firefighter]

From the pics that bottom limb looks like a tear out waiting to happen. Been there a long time though. If it was in a yard I would have a cable in it quick.

have a cable in it? what do you mean?

 

[Wildland_Firefighter]

Just based on those pictures (but not sure I see enough), initial thought is prune the top of the crossing limbs. Mostly because the bottom one would leave a HUGE wound. However, it doesn't look like that bottom limb has a strong attachment...that is what I'd want to see better. Maybe remove the top and reduce the bottom???

ill get a better pic tomorrow for you.

want to try to preserve these oaks so theyll last another 100 yrs

 

[Jed1124]

have a cable in it? what do you mean?

It's a common practice to install a cable with eye bolts to support branches with weak attachment points. Especially in a residential setting where there are targets should the branch fail.

 

[Wildland_Firefighter]

It's a common practice to install a cable with eye bolts to support branches with weak attachment points. Especially in a residential setting where there are targets should the branch fail.

oh yeah i see now. I was debating about supporting it.

i think Savannah GA had an issue with their old trees. someone i thought got hurt or killed cause one of the big limbs broke.

you have any picture of this?

 

[BC WetCoast]

I would be inclined to leave them grafted as they are supporting each other and reduce the end weight of both.

 

[Jason Douglas]

Reduction cuts, no large removal cuts as the wounds would be very large on such a mature tree. Cabling could be another great option here too.

Lose the vines while at it. Are some vines included on one branch in pic # 2 and 3?

 

[Jed1124]

Both BC and JD are on the right track. End weight Reduction of about 20% should be enough. Large pruning cuts are not a good idea on a mature tree especially if those branches grafted.
Love seeing mature tree preservation in a rural setting. They take a long time to get that big
As ATH mentioned another pic of that attachment point will determine if it would actually need additional support.