Should I prune this pine tree?

8 years ago

Hi There,

This area needs some help, Suggestions on pruning or not pruning the 2 pine trees (and the shrubs too if you're in the mood) would be wonderful! I will prune dead and dying branches. It loses branches in storms. The structure of the branches is sort of bonsai like.

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kentrees12

8 years ago

Japanese black pines, look fine to me. Interesting you mention losing limbs to storms, this species is (over) used along the east coast for its wind and salt resistance. Very architectural, normal looking for their species trees in my opinion. Having said that, these trees are subject to a very serious foliage disease in some areas that will render them unsightly at best and kill them at worst unless treated. In the area of TN that I live most of these have either been killed or been removed due to the disease, I've removed all 9 of my own and no longer grow them. Yours look clean though.

Green meatballs (sorry!) below pines appear to be yews. In their present state they need to be sheared every year, at least, to maintain that look. They appear to be healthy, and there isn't anything I'm aware of that is currently attacking them, so good on that score. Do you like, or want, that look and maintenance? They appear to somewhat block the commercial building across the way, is that needed/wanted? Anything done to reduce maintenance reduces costs.

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Comments (9)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
dont be surprised when the utilities butcher the heck out of those pines ...

if they happen to ask in advance ..... tell them to cut them down to the ground ... and be done with them ...

ken
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the info. The branches lost to storms are small and usually outermost. Years ago topping cuts were done to branches of many trees that hung over sidewalks and walkways. We no longer do that, but damage is done.

The yews are horrible. Do people even do renovation cuts and let them grow natural?
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
8 years ago
ken_adrian. Not a fan of the tree? IRL it has character. The yews, not so much.
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Caldwell Home & Garden
8 years ago
Beautiful tree, I would cut it down before the power co cuts it in half
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
8 years ago
it is already cut around the power lines on the opposite side
kentrees12
8 years ago
Yews are one of the few conifers that will bud from bare wood, you don't need green. That said, yes they can be reworked. I've seen shrubs your size cut to a couple feet and regrow. In your case, I would try to find someone who really knows what they are doing to do the deed. If you want to tackle the job yourself, maybe search YouTube with something like "renewal pruning Japanese yew" and see if you get any hits. It will take time for regrowth, possibly several years if cut hard. During that time they won't look all that great.

Re the pines; I didn't mention the utility wires because you didn't and figured they weren't an issue. IF the wires are directly above and close to the tops of the pines, expect the trees to be more or less butchered. If that is necessary and you are there have them removed and stumps ground. Around here they are OVERJOYED to completely remove trees and grind stumps. I think that is the reason they butcher. BTW, conifer stumps won't resprout so grinding isn't necessary but make grind anyway LOL.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
8 years ago
I will check out again how the Pines are cut around the utility wires but from memory, I believe that it appeared that they were already pruned around the wires and it did not look as though they were growing in that direction anytime soon.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
8 years ago
Yews. I have already removed large branches from about 15, including these, aiming for softball sized holes to allow light in for new growth.

In another area I cut 4 down to the ground this spring, 3 have decent regrowth. I threw in some annuals and planted groundcover so it doesnt look too hideous. Next time I'll plant the groundcover the year before.

One I cut to 18 inches and pruned a more natural looking shrub, better than these but not great.

I would like to pull them all, but... one thing at a time.

I'll google both those suggestions.

Thank you

April