Trimming clump birch trees

[Skywalker]

customer called to see if it is safe for clump birch trees to be trimmed

they are about 50ft tall

any danger of killing them

need topped

 

[Lawnmowerboy48]

I hate it how so many people believe that topping is the solution to all.

 

[treeseer]

Skywalker, here in NC our river birches especially 'Heritage' self-destruct if they are not reduced, i.e. trunks slightly shortened. Maybe 10-20% off the ends, cut back to a good lateral that is growing into the clear (directional pruning).

It's time for the anti-topping passion to cool, so reduction is accepted. Using a long pole pruner will help you make clean cuts at the right places.

 

[BC WetCoast]

Any bronze birch borer problems?

 

[Dadatwins]

Skywalker, here in NC our river birches especially 'Heritage' self-destruct if they are not reduced, i.e. trunks slightly shortened. Maybe 10-20% off the ends, cut back to a good lateral that is growing into the clear (directional pruning).

It's time for the anti-topping passion to cool, so reduction is accepted. Using a long pole pruner will help you make clean cuts at the right places.

+1

 

[treeseer]

I'm not seeing Heritage self destruct here NE of Atlanta ...
Treeseer, Is it ice that gets them up your way?

Also, rain, wind, and gravity.

 

[appalachianarbo]

Any bronze birch borer problems?

Not in river birches, but gray birches take a big hit around here.

 

[tree MDS]

Skywalker, here in NC our river birches especially 'Heritage' self-destruct if they are not reduced, i.e. trunks slightly shortened. Maybe 10-20% off the ends, cut back to a good lateral that is growing into the clear (directional pruning).

It's time for the anti-topping passion to cool, so reduction is accepted. Using a long pole pruner will help you make clean cuts at the right places.

An orchard ladder works sweet too - assuming the tree is not too tall. Maybe a pole pruner and orchard ladder. But I like takedowns, so what do I know.

 

[Skywalker]

thanks alot guys

 

[treeseer]

Maybe a pole pruner and orchard ladder.

:agree2:

I have a 20' pole bruner, but getting that extra 8' can make all the difference. Hint: get someone to hold the ladder steady...:monkey:

 

[Climbing Cutter]

Birch trees really look like crap once they've been topped.

 

[Dadatwins]

Birch trees really look like crap once they've been topped.

We are talking about reduction pruning up top, not topping, there is a difference.

 

[appalachianarbo]

Birch trees really look like crap once they've been topped.

Every tree looks like crap once its been topped.

 

[Climbing Cutter]

We are talking about reduction pruning up top, not topping, there is a difference.

The original poster of the thread specifically mentioned topping.

 

[Climbing Cutter]

I have done crown reductions on birch implementing drop crotch pruning, and they still look terrible for years. IMO