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Reducing very old trees
Very old trees can sometimes be reduced in leu of removing them. This reduces risk of failure while allowing people to enjoy the attributes of very old trees. Large reduction cuts may be required in some cases. Heading cuts can be used where reduction cuts are not possible.
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| This large elm tree was dropping large branches. Instead of removing it, pruning cuts up to about 15 or 20 inches in diameter (see close-up below) were used to reduce the size of the crown so it could be retained in the landscape. Sprouts will be retained but pruned so they do not interfere with one another. | This large elm tree was dropping large branches. Instead of removing it, pruning cuts up to about 6 or 12 inches in diameter were used to reduce the size of the crown so it could be retained in the landscape. |
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