Pruning a young ash tree in Texas

igniter64

I have a green non-fruit bearing ash in the front yard. It was planted Aug 2007, and it's very healthy. This previous summer it was so healthy that its leaves were full and touching the ground. They are winter dormant now, and I'm trying to figure out where I should do the cutting.

There is a nice balanced crown about 6 feet up, but there are a large number of branches below that, and some of them are pretty big. Should I cut them off? Should I do it now, or should I wait until February? Am I supposed to put something on the spots where I've cut?

Also there is a branch coming out of the base of the tree that is about the size of a quarter and has climbed straight up about four feet.

In the picture, you can see the crown at the very top with all the other branches below it. I hope that helps.

I don't want to just hack up my tree and ruin it. Any suggestions? Thanks!

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Eric Frei

This is a tough ask from 1 pic.

The basal sucker growing straight up, cut it off close to the trunk.

There's a right and wrong way to prune, read these draft Aussie standards, they'll set you straight.

Do not cut off collars, always cut to "target".

Prune for optimal form now when the tree is young.

This link should help you too.

Structural - Pruning - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS

Prune in winter, is that tree or location a candidate for EAB (Emerald Ash Borer)? If so there may be times of year to not prune it. Wound dressings generally are not good but sometimes wounds are dressed to prevent EAB etc getting into the tree.

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Victor Lindsay

That would be a great tree to train...start when thier young. A pro could have that done in no time for a very small price, but someone not in the know could damage that young tree for ever. Pay someone to do it for you.

igniter64

Thanks for the comments. That helps a lot!

gooddog

That tree is large enough to handle some major pruning. I have taken a couple years to trim many branches on a tree so it's not too tramatic for it. I think in your case you could cut all that you need. I would prune now when the tree is dormant. Just like others have said, the most important thing is to properly locate the cut. Also, remember to support the branch being cut so it doesn't tear the bark off the trunk when it falls. I have seen people trying to use a bow saw or a hack saw to prune, don't do it. Get a hand pruning saw, one that's not overly big, because they work great. Don't cover the wound and be sure it doesn't go dry this year, but don't over water.

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gooddog

I prune all my trees so I can walk under them without worrying about hitting my head. Your house will look much better having a "tree" in the front yard instead of the "bush".

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I'll be fine if my body holds out.

TreeSpecialist

As a small tree being trained, the low limbs should be removed when they are 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter - preferably no larger.

Leaving the limbs on until they reach this size helps increase the trunk diameter or taper. By cutting them off before they get too big makes for a smaller wound for the trunk to deal with.

The tree appears to be the green ash has very good branch angle formations.

Check out :Trees Are Good for information on how to prune the tree yourself.

Be sure to locate the branch collars and keep them intact.

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igniter64

I would like to thank all of you for you input. My wife and I pruned the Ash yesterday, so it is a done deal! I can't wait to see what it looks like this Spring when the leaves fill out. Thanks again everyone!

gooddog

Good! A well pruned tree will only look better with age.

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I'll be fine if my body holds out.