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Branches break
About
one-third of the foliage was removed in the storm. The tree can be pruned to
help it develop good structure. The restoration process on this tree seeks to
encourage growth in the stem on the left that was not damaged in the storm.
Although this is not in the exact center of the tree, it looks like it is close
enough to expect a decent structure to develop with some training.
Treatment:
First the canopy should be cleaned by removing dead branches and reducing broken
branches back to lateral branches were possible. It looks like this will be
fairly simple in this tree. No heading cuts should be required on this tree.
Sprouts can be managed beginning in a year or
two to encourage good structure. This process will require several prunings
over a period of five years or more. (See: Details of sprout management).
Close-up of photo above
Even closer look at the top of the canopy. Clean reduction cuts can be made
back to live lateral branches. It is best to perform this now before sprouts
emerge. Once sprouts emerge, it is more difficult to make good pruning cuts.
