Recovery from extreme topping

adamski

I have a couple of trees that were cut to about 5-6 feet years ago. The trunks split into multiple branches of 4-8 inch diameter at the points where they are cut. The wood at the cuts is dry and split, but branches spread from an inch or two below those cuts.

I've found articles about crown restoration of topped trees, but they seem to deal with trees that already had crowns that were cut short and only needed to be encouraged to branch out at the points of the cuts.

Is it possible to encourage my tree's trucks to start growing properly, or is control of the branching the only option other than going at it with a chainsaw and stump grinder?

Brent Ferris

A pic would help. Uncertain what you mean by growing properly. The trunk was cut short, suckering has grown out from below the cuts, and one normally chooses which suckers to become stems, and lets the tree regrow. Were you hoping the tree to sprout from the cut end and grow vertically?

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My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
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adamski

That's what I was hoping for... a tree-shaped tree that grows vertically. I didn't think to post my question until it was getting dark, so a photo will have to wait until tomorrow.

Brent Ferris

Assuming there are several suckers, choose the ones growing most vertically and cut off the others, and if necessary loosely tie them together to encourage a vertical habit. Should be able to remove tie in a few years when the habit you want has asserted itself. Just realize that sucker growth never has the basal strength that the original tree enjoyed, and decay near the base will likely get worse. If the tree grows fast enough -- like a willow or poplar or elm it may grow over the whole area and be ok; if it is slower growing, you will likely always have problems.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)