Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_718249630

Pruning a 50+ year sugar maple

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

This maple has one of its sub trunks with a large canker near the main trunk. Half the branch is dead. It was very sickly about 10 years ago then woodpeckers found it and went crazy on it for a few years. They come back every year several times and the main tree seems health enough. At the time I didn’t see the canker as it was away from the house. Now I’m wondering if I should remove the branch. I got a quote and it was 10k. I can’t afford that. I can easily remove it myself but am not sure how to do it and if I should cover the wound etc.


Comments (13)

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    If the tree service wanted 10 grand what were they looking at that you think you can easily do yourself?

  • 6 years ago

    Get another quote if you’re not sure what to do - it takes skill and safety measures to remove a large tree limb.


    $10K makes zero sense by the way.


    The answer is that you never cover a pruning cut to a live tree.

  • 6 years ago

    if you want helpful ideas.. how about a couple pix ..... ken

  • 6 years ago

    and generally speaking.. without a pic.. you do not cover the would ... all it would do is trap moisture... and probably cause future damage ... trees encapsulate and heal themselves .. properly pruned ....


    ken

  • 6 years ago

    I added 3 pictures and they didn’t show up. I loaded them it said they were added but they are missing.

    I have a nephew who has a chainsaw licence and has removed several large invasive trees for me but has no experience with keeping the tree alive. There are no wires near and a clear space we can drop it in. Really need to know if I should or shouldn’t and what I should do after it’s cut if I cut it. Appearance is of little importance it’s only for the health of the tree. Hoping the pictures load properly this time >.<

  • 6 years ago

    Adding one more picture of the opposite side to show the branch curves away from the tree.


  • 6 years ago

    $10K to remove a single branch, even if large and hard to access, is preposterous!! They fell much larger entire trees for a quarter to a third of that cost! I had an 80' Douglas fir removed from a property where access was extremely limited and the tag for that was only $1800!

    Get a few more estimates first from licensed and certified arborists. They have the proper training to remove trees or parts of trees safely, in tight situations and with the care necessary to preserve what may be left behind. This is neither a DYI project nor one for some yo-yo with a chainsaw and delusions of grandeur!! $10K indeed!!

    HU-718249630 thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
  • 6 years ago

    In Canada Ontario. Here, for tree removal you need to be licenced and insured. The arborist I got the quote from was the only one who would come to give an estimate. he was 2 hours away. He felt it was healthy enough not to remove and it is farther away from the house then it looks in the picture. The branch the hooks out is the one with the canker. Hard to tell but it does lean sightly away from the house. Also the wind blows that way.



  • 6 years ago

    Only loaded one picture


  • 6 years ago

    I cannot see a problem with removing the branch if done in steps, cut to remove most of the weight farther out then remove the rest in close. As Ken has suggested the rot could also go into the main stem of the tree which would not be good.

    HU-718249630 thanked wayne
  • 6 years ago

    Ty so much. That was what I thought but I’m no expert not even close and appreciate all advise. Tbh I believe the damage was done about 50 years ago when I was a child. My brothers and I use to swing on that branch. It was young enough that the whole tree would bow slightly. is it possible after all this time for rot to enter heart wood now? What should I watch for on the trunk if there is rot?

  • 6 years ago

    Personally I wouldn't worry about it.