Over Pruned Trees - How to Fix?

9 years ago

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm reaching out here because I can't seem to find answer to my question anywhere else. I have 2 Pecan Trees and 1 Arizona Ash and all are probably 40 yrs old. Unfortunately, after a bad choice of tree "doctor", all 3 specimens were severely over pruned last growing season. I have one of the worst cases of "broccoli tree" I have ever seen - the canopy was raised so high that the trees resemble broccoli stems. As you can see in the photos the tree birthed multiple water sprouts just to survive, which actually masks a little just how bad the trees look. I am just sick about it and have a feeling there is nothing I can do except leave the trees undisturbed for several growing seasons to see if the trees will self-repair a little by some miracle. Are these trees lost? Will they ever look normal again? What are the recommendations?

I've seriously just wanted to cut down the trees and plant new trees. That solution seems like such a waste (and is probably not allowed by city rules?) but I sometimes think I have no other option if I want nice-looking and healthy trees again. To be honest, I am gun-shy and don't even want to call another tree company - who can I trust? I didn't know any better at the time when I hired a tree crew, and I trusted them completely. After lots of reading, it sounds like I should have consulted a certified arborist. LESSON LEARNED the very hard way. This type of tree abuse should be a crime and someone besides the trees and me should pay, right??! How do these idiots get a chainsaw? Maybe I'm overreacting? - call me out on that, too, if needed. Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

krnuttle

9 years ago

As far as you comment about removing the trees, It comes down to:

Do you want shade from trees that may not be perfectly trimmed, or do you want to wait another 40 years for the new trees you planted to replace the poorly trimmed trees to provide shade.

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Comments (6)

KennsWoods
9 years ago
No doubt a hack job, but I wouldn't consider removal. I can see water sprouts (called epicormic growth), some have which have already failed. These shoots are typically poorly attached. In time your trees will probably fill in, at least somewhat. I'd let nature take it's course and consider it a lesson learned. Utility companies routinely butcher trees and they survive, yours will too.
Dr Peppers thanked KennsWoods
bossyvossy
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
i have to tell you this story so you dont feel so bad. We placed a call to utility company to evaluate a dying tree dangerously close to power line. An ARBORIST was sent within days. The guy shows up and said he wasn't sure what kind of tree it was. I immediately knew he didn't know squat as it was a pecan, an easily recognizable tree. I tried to be as friendly as I could and eventually found my way to asking him where he'd studied arborist science. His reply, and quite proudly so, was that he was almost 1/2 way done reading his manual. (What the ...!!!???)

99% of the so called arboriststs are tree butchers with a dull chainsaw, sigh...

I'd just let your trees be and would not recommend removal at all. Be comforted by the thought this will never happen to you again. And to find an true arborist, I'd start with the nearest ag school in your area and word/of mouth.
Dr Peppers thanked bossyvossy
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
what kind of city do you live in.. where you cant remove trees from your own property ... there.. i said it ...

do plant some new ones... and in the 20 years it takes for whatever to happen with these ... you will have a new crop going ...

not every monkey with a chain saw.. is a tree DOCTOR ... i would be utterly stunned.. to hear you used a ISA certified tree surgeon ...

if i am correct ... and you do want a followup visit.. use the link ...

ken

https://www.google.com/search?q=onsted+mi+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=isa+tree+surgeons
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
9 years ago
Here's the thing with tree pruners- you HAVE to get references and you HAVE to go look at their work in person.

A talented and experienced tree pruner is an artist, a bad one is a hack. The only way to KNOW the difference is to see their work.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
it struck me.. i wonder.. if there was another large tree to the left of it.. that was removed.. and that is why it has this odd shape.. and was in need of drastic pruning ...

another tree thats canopy was shading this one ...

maybe.. just maybe.. the tree dude was working on a bad situation ...

are you new to the property??? .. or do you know the history??

ken