Quote:
Originally Posted by boa07  reduction pruning on one or both limbs |
I use a method which I call sub-dominating.
Depending on potential targets if failure should occur, and the age, size and value of the tree I will crown reduce only one of the co-cominant stems every 5 years or so. It's always the same side.
This allows for new growth from the other side to slowly fill in the space which was formally filled with the branches of the reduced stem.
This done as part of an ongoing method which finally ends when the un pruned stem's new growth has completly replaced the original sub dominated stem.
I am currently sub-dominating about 13 mature co dominant trees Oak, Ash, Beech, Maple and Yew each in individual gardens for separate clients.
Its working very well.
I have also cabled many co dom trees.
If I am rigging them down and there is a bad included bark union which cause me concern, i will put 2 rigging blocks in each stem at the same height and run the lowering rope through both pulleys, this allows for better dissipation of the forces created when rigging dynamic loads. I will rig one stem off the other and vice versa.
If the Co dominant stem has a extensive decay at the union i will use a Mewp