Crown reduction used for root and butt rot

[Laura 12345]

Hi all,

 

I worry this is a silly question, but just wanted to ask exactly why crown reduction is such a common management option for trees experiencing root/ lower stem rot, e.g. caused by Ganoderma species. I'm guessing it is much more than merely reducing the load/sail area? It seems like it is often more about removing potentially hazardous branches from the crown etc (reducing the immediate risk) than optimising the long-term health of the tree, as surely removing all that photosynthetic material and creating numerous wounds doesn't help a pre-stressed tree? 

 

I've googled this many a time to no real avail, so if anyone has any recommendations for further reading that would also be great. 

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Edited September 4, 2021 by Laura 12345

[Steve Bullman]

You can’t really manage the long term health of a tree that isn’t healthy. More about risk management and retaining a potentially dangerous tree rather than felling. If I’ve recommended a reduction due to serious decay on a tree I’d normally consider it as a short term solution, or first stage in the trees ultimate removal. Of course every tree, decay, and situation is different so there’s probably many more answers 

[jfc]

Just to adding to Steve's info reducing weight on the end of long branches takes a lot of stress off the branch. Try holding a 1kg bag of sugar on the end of a polesaw horizontally, the strain (moment) is multiplied along its length (force x distance). Take 10kg off a 5m branch is 50kg less loading.
I also think there is a psychological benefit to all concerned that the tree has been pruned and is now safer as a result. It's generally impossible to know if this kind of pruning does increase safety but it makes everyone feel that way. This also means people are happier to retain the tree and live with the (lessened) risk. The other options are do nothing or removal.

[Khriss]

Short term fix , really ,  sometimes better to take it out whilst yr there . K