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how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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Posted by didrik Zone 8 - Portland, O (My Page) on
Mon, Nov 16, 09 at 19:44

My Black Locust tree had double leaders at the ground level. One leader should have been removed 30 years ago. I took out the weaker leader yesterday since it's leaning completely on on the garage causing roof leakage (garage to be removed in future). Question is: How close to the ground level do I prune out the rest of the limb? Flat cut vs. slight angle cut to avoid water collecting there? Other suggestions?

Here is a link to before and after photos of the tree: http://www.johnck.com/re/blacklocust

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: Black Locust Photos

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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I would cut it off at ground level with a slight angle. I think I would seal the cut with tree seal and expect suckers to grow from the cut end or next to it. Diligence will be required to keep them under control. Jack

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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  • Posted by bboy USDA 8 Sunset 5 WA (My Page) on
    Tue, Nov 17, 09 at 1:55

Kind of a bum spot for a brittle, thorny suckering Robinia, maybe you should think about removal instead. Species is also capable of growing into a full-sized tree.

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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NEVER use tree seal ... it has a greater potential to seal in moisture.. than keep it out ... a proper cut.. will be handled by the tree ...

where and how you make the cut.. is most likely going to be a function of how you can get the saw in there ...

i would angle it down away from the large one ....

i dont know how i would get the chainsaw in there ...

there is little doubt it will sprout .. continue to remove them with hand clippers.. until it gets the idea that you dont want it to re-sprout..

i am not familiar with the locust.. but if you look higher.. you have more problems ... you may want to consider removal ... though i have a feeling that hammock is going to be a problem letting go of .... a couple 4 x 6's will be more than enough support for the hammock.. and they wont collapse on your garage ....but that isnt going to happen.. is it??? ... lol

good luck

ken

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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  • Posted by didrik Zone 8 - Portland, O (My Page) on
    Tue, Nov 17, 09 at 10:46

Thanks for the replies!

Yes it's not the ideal spot for any tree, let alone this particular species which so many people consider an invasive weed. IMO, it's hard to cut down such a good sized tree that's got at least 30+ years beneath it's belt. The canopy reaches up to the 3rd floor bedroom windows of the house and I wake up with the birds and squirrels in the morning. I like that. Right now I'm trying to figure out what I can do to make it healthier.

Ken - when you say "look higher... more problems" are you referring to the spot where the tree branches out into 3 leader looking trunks? Or the moss taking hold or what? Thanks.

Didrik

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  • Posted by bboy USDA 8 Sunset 5 WA (My Page) on
    Tue, Nov 17, 09 at 13:53

Narrow forking, a branch stub and at least one topping cut are visible in picture 6. I'd take preventative measures now and replace it with a choicer kind of tree, not so close to the structure.

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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pic 6 .. isnt there one.. if not two ... more branches overhanging the garage????

and i didnt even notice the topping damage ... good catch bboy

IMHO ... be done with it... forget about killing a tree ... you will replace it.. earth.. net zero loss ... i like oak .. they grow 3 to 5 feet per year, once established ... no clue about oak in zone 8

ken

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RE: how close to ground level to prune out double leader?

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Tree wound sealing tech is at the same point human medical tech was 300 years ago. Looks like its an entirely second trunk. No above ground attachment.

  
 

 

 


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