Pruning Mature Trees

[tsouz007]

I had an elderly lady ask me to top a few large (75ft 30in DBH) trees in her yard. They were within 20 ft of her house and hydro lines so I told her it was out of my league (I do some small-time pruning and removals to help pay for grad school--very quick to say no to stuff I am not sure I can do safely). So after I told her I don't top and why she asked me if I would prune some large (8in diameter) branches that were overhanging her house. Which I also told her I didn't feel comfortable doing and recommended her to the company I work part-time with.

My question is about removing large live branches from otherwise healthy mature trees. Seems like it could potentially harm or do a lot of damage to the tree so I'm wondering if anyone out there would care to pass on some knowledge or advice. I'm not planning on making it habit of hacking large sections from nice trees but there are some occasions where it is necessary. I know how to prune correctly (constantly learning more tho) just wondering if there where any special considerations for removing healthy large branches from large trees?

 

[beastmaster]

Though I have I removed large mature branches for various different reasons from trees, its not a good practice. It can cause a lot of stress on an older mature tree and maybe push a declining tree over the edge. The wounds on most trees from a large branch removal often don't callus over allowing an opening for decay to start in the trunk of an other wise healthy tree.
A controversial solution to that problem is to leave a large stub cut back to a node or small branch. While unsightly and unprofessional
looking,when practiced on species that don't heal well, and most older mature trees in general, it'll slow or prevent decay from getting a foothold in the trunk and structurally impacting its integrity.
You have to weigh the pros and cons. Sometimes for what ever reason a branch has to go. Just remember the affects might take years or decades to show.
A lot depends on the kind of tree it is.

 

[sgreanbeans]

Nice post Beasty!