pruning eucalyptus versicolor.

Joshua Rugg

i have a large 60 foot tall, 36" DBH euc versicolor that needs height reduction. i need some creative ideas. anyone got pics of some eucalyptus height reductions?

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Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

Eric Frei

Not familiar with the tree, could also be called Eucalyptus deglupta.

I take it that it's a single trunked apically dominant ssp?

A 3' DBH for that height is great, that is only a 20:1 taper ratio.

If it is a single trunked apically dominant tree then what you are proposing is taking the top off just above a branch.

That would look bad, the branch will then assume apical dominance. Often branches also appear quite long and worrisome but this will exacerbate the issue.

My advice with eucs of that form is leave them alone. They are genetically programmed to attain a certain height and messing with them by cutting starts a whole new regime of issues.

Why is height an issue? I often find it is a phobia and the reasons for reduction are based on fear. Some people feel intimidated by tall trees, some worry a lot about the consequences of failure..... if it falls over, if a large branch falls off etc.

How far down are you proposing to cut it? I mean turning a 60' euc into a 40' euc that will grow back to 60' in 3 years might not be as smart as removing and replacing.

If it could be slowed down and made stronger would it then be OK? If so then do Cambistat treatments.

Some pictures would help too.

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Joshua Rugg

thank eric. i figured that if i take some top height down, the branch i cut back to will take apical dominance. she is a little old hawaiian lady who has a pretty forested property but this tree sits only 20 feet away from her front deck and towers over her 2 story house. she asked about removal and replanting a different tree and i think this might be the likely out come in the end. i was the one who recommended possible height reduction. the whole neighborhood culdesac can see this tree so it sucks if this tree has to go man :/

__________________
Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

Joshua Rugg

OH im sorry i meant to say the species is deglupta not versicolor. its a rainbow euc.

__________________
Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)