Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok top my tree?
No. All pruning cuts should be made at a branch union following standards set by the InternationalSocietyofArborist. Making pruning cuts mid branch will will stimulate excess growth that will have a week attachment. It will also stress the tree and drain a large portion of its energy resources trying to produce new foliage. This could lead to the eventual death of the tree. Topping will create the need for more maintenance and create a tree full of branches with weak attachments.
How much should be pruned at one time?
Typically no more than 10%-20% should be removed at a time. If too much is removed at one time excess growth can be encouraged creating a need for more frequent maintenance.
Should I have the interior of my tree pruned heavy so the wind blows through better during high winds or hurricanes?
Heavy pruning of the interior canopy (aka hurricane pruning) is often recommended to make the tree more wind resistant, however in many cases it can make your tree more susceptible to wind damage. With all the foliage being left towards the tips the force exerted on the branch is higher than if it had the interior branches to help stabilize. This also tends to stimulate excess growth that will lead to more frequent maintenance.
Where should a branch be cut at?
All branches should be cut back to a lateral or parent branch. Leaving stubs will encourage epicormic sprouts as a strees response and could eventually die. Cutting a branch at a lateral just outside the branch bark ridge and branch collar will allow the tree to develop callous wood over the wound to compartmentalize the wound, and prevent spread of decay and possible infection while minimizing stress.
What is ganaderma also known as butt rot?
Ganaderma is a fungus that is deadly to palms, however does not harm any other tree or plants. The best way to identify it is by the basidiocarp (conk) at the base. Ganaderma attacks the vascular tissue at the base preventing water and sugars from traveling throughout the plant. The base will begin to decay and the foliage will begin to die. There is no treatment that can bring a palm back that has Ganaderma. The palm must be removed and stumps ground to prevent more basidiocarps from forming and spreading more spores.