Silver birch

[edam321]

Hi im new to the game well when i say new a about a year ive been asked to tidy up a a silver birch is there anything that will damage the tree ? Sorry to sound simple but trying to learn lol. Pictures to follow another day cheers

[Mick Dempsey]

Tell us what you mean by "tidy up"?

[edam321]

Like reduce the overhaul size of the crown / tree. Just started climbing and is completely different from watching on the ground.

[Mark Bolam]

Pretty much anything you do to a birch will damage it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

[edam321]

Arrrr ill have to get few pics and see what u recon

[Mick Dempsey]

Well, if it's a light(ish) prune ie. no large wounds you'll be good to go.

 

Large wounds can cause rot pockets, not in itself an issue but the purists will object.

 

Just my opinion mind.

[edam321]

Yeah that makes sense. Spose theres only one way to learn and thats by having a go

[Mick Dempsey]

Exactly, give it a go.

 

If there's no time pressure, come down a few times and have a look from the ground.

[Daythe trees]

Birch is a species which rots easily when the bark and cambium are cut exposing the timber. Best left alone or felled in my opinion, however if it's owner wants it pruning as long as you explain the reduction in this trees expected life due to that then why not. Or don't explain and take the job then walk away, up to you. If you don't do it and they're adamant it's getting done regardless of your opinion you lose a job. Welcome to taking your own work.

[Adam M]

I love birch reductions. Always arty.