How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard?

AMG1978 · 11th February 2010, 01:52 PM

I bought this house in September 09 and this tree on my property looks like it hasn't been trimmed back in many years. A few months ago I had to trim the long branches back that were leaning against my house. Then in the winter all the leaves started to turn reddish-brown and fall off. Then when it was nearly free of leaves out of nowhere all these flowers bloomed on the tree. My pool is completely caked with these flowers. I thought I would go through and start trimming all the branches back, removing everything and then in the spring the tree would bloom much less congested and clean fresh branches.

Then I realized I have NO idea what I am doing and I could (or did) kill this tree.

I want to know, how (or should) I trim this tree back so that it grows properly in the spring? I wouldn't mind trimming this thing down to practically naked, it will be a lot of work and a lot of trash cans full of leaves, flowers, branches, but I will. So can someone give me advice, I REALLY appreciate it!

As you can see, I cleaned the bottom branches down to clean and nothing on them. I tried to keep them from touching each other and trimmed a lot of the thin tiny branches, but left the big ones.

trout · 11th February 2010, 08:57 PM

I think ur tree is melia azerderach (spelling may be off ) lopping , topping , pollarding - not the way to go . The guys on this site can set u right , from what I have seen , between them they can set u on the right course , be it lopping etc , complete removal ,remedial pruning ,( lopping etc not the way to go ,my personal belief, these people know more than me )Im sure they will send u down the right path

Eric Frei · 12th February 2010, 10:22 AM

Best you leave that tree alone and get a qualified arborist around for some advice (and pay them for their time) or a quote.

Levi Parkin · 12th February 2010, 02:51 PM

If that's your idea of "cleaning it up" I would definitely recommend consulting with a local, certified arborist. Just from looking at the picture we can't tell you exactly what to do, and misunderstanding any direction we do give you could be really bad for the health and vigor of your tree.

kiwi_tree_steve · 12th February 2010, 05:15 PM

first thing you gota do is put down your pruning equipment!

this tree needs verry little pruning if anything repair work to the prunung that you have done IMHO

Eric Frei · 12th February 2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi_tree_steve

this tree needs verry little pruning if anything repair work to the prunung that you have done IMHO

I fully agree.

Levi Parkin · 13th February 2010, 05:30 AM

If you're trying to eliminate the flowers in your pool, I would highly recommend cutting down that tree and replacing it with one that doesn't have such prolific flowering. Just a thought.

ARWadoo · 13th February 2010, 08:07 PM

"You have to feel and touch a tree"Kiwi tree Steve

Trees are living creation ,It is your negative and hateful thinking about the tree that it flowered profusely.It wants to save its progeny, being under the threat of liquidation. Please be patient and consult an Arberman for correct time to prune.Start loving the tree please.

Jon · 17th February 2010, 12:29 PM

What is with every HO that wants there trees "cut back" like there some kind of weed?

Eric Frei · 18th February 2010, 05:36 PM

They think they're big roses or something.

The two that piss me right off is "needs a good hair cut" and "make it half the size"

11th February 2010, 01:52 PM	#1
AMG1978 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1	How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? I bought this house in September 09 and this tree on my property looks like it hasn't been trimmed back in many years. A few months ago I had to trim the long branches back that were leaning against my house. Then in the winter all the leaves started to turn reddish-brown and fall off. Then when it was nearly free of leaves out of nowhere all these flowers bloomed on the tree. My pool is completely caked with these flowers. I thought I would go through and start trimming all the branches back, removing everything and then in the spring the tree would bloom much less congested and clean fresh branches. Then I realized I have NO idea what I am doing and I could (or did) kill this tree. I want to know, how (or should) I trim this tree back so that it grows properly in the spring? I wouldn't mind trimming this thing down to practically naked, it will be a lot of work and a lot of trash cans full of leaves, flowers, branches, but I will. So can someone give me advice, I REALLY appreciate it! As you can see, I cleaned the bottom branches down to clean and nothing on them. I tried to keep them from touching each other and trimmed a lot of the thin tiny branches, but left the big ones. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Jeff Darby; 11th February 2010 at 03:58 PM. Reason: upload picture to Treeworld server, per rule 3:1

11th February 2010, 08:57 PM	#2
trout Former Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: aus Posts: 29	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? I think ur tree is melia azerderach (spelling may be off ) lopping , topping , pollarding - not the way to go . The guys on this site can set u right , from what I have seen , between them they can set u on the right course , be it lopping etc , complete removal ,remedial pruning ,( lopping etc not the way to go ,my personal belief, these people know more than me )Im sure they will send u down the right path

12th February 2010, 10:22 AM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,991	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? Best you leave that tree alone and get a qualified arborist around for some advice (and pay them for their time) or a quote. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

12th February 2010, 02:51 PM	#4
Levi Parkin Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 213	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? If that's your idea of "cleaning it up" I would definitely recommend consulting with a local, certified arborist. Just from looking at the picture we can't tell you exactly what to do, and misunderstanding any direction we do give you could be really bad for the health and vigor of your tree.

12th February 2010, 05:15 PM	#5
kiwi_tree_steve Mature tree Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: BC. Canada Posts: 324	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? first thing you gota do is put down your pruning equipment! this tree needs verry little pruning if anything repair work to the prunung that you have done IMHO __________________ "You have to feel and touch a tree" Shigo

13th February 2010, 05:30 AM	#7
Levi Parkin Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 213	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? If you're trying to eliminate the flowers in your pool, I would highly recommend cutting down that tree and replacing it with one that doesn't have such prolific flowering. Just a thought.

13th February 2010, 08:07 PM	#8
ARWadoo Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: J&K State India Posts: 59	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? "You have to feel and touch a tree"Kiwi tree Steve Trees are living creation ,It is your negative and hateful thinking about the tree that it flowered profusely.It wants to save its progeny, being under the threat of liquidation. Please be patient and consult an Arberman for correct time to prune.Start loving the tree please.

17th February 2010, 12:29 PM	#9
Jon Sappling Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Reno Envy Posts: 29	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? What is with every HO that wants there trees "cut back" like there some kind of weed?

18th February 2010, 05:36 PM	#10
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,991	Re: How or IF I should prune this tree in my yard? They think they're big roses or something. The two that piss me right off is "needs a good hair cut" and "make it half the size" __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How to prune an old mango tree?	Isle	Ask an Arborist here	1	25th October 2009 10:12 AM
rhodedendron in my front yard	jbarlowjr	Ask an Arborist here	3	11th September 2009 07:10 AM
Help with decision on tree for the front yard	kirby	General Tree Chat	9	6th August 2009 09:45 AM
should I prune my dying plum tree?	flytracyre	Ask an Arborist here	1	22nd July 2009 05:55 PM
950 yard awesome shot!	Eric Frei	Non Tree Related chat	6	8th May 2008 05:04 PM