Tree Pruning question

[Dune]

Hello,

 

I have a weird tree question.

Can a tree be cut down by more than half and still survive?

 

The 2 trees shown are to tall and I want to cut the tops off them.

I want to cut them at the red line so everything above them will be removed.

I just dont want to kill the trees which is why I am asking.

 

Thanks in advance

Dune 

[Peasgood]

No idea why you would want to keep that but yes they can survive. I have reduced by 90% and they survived, that's 100 foot leylandii reduced to 10 foot to leave a decent hedge.

Although they usually survive there is no guarantee. 

[Mark Bolam]

Why not just take them out and plant something decent?

[Dune]

Hey guys,

 

Thanks for the fast replies to my post, I really appreciate it.

 

First response to Peasgood: 

Thanks for all the info and advice as it makes choice easier.

 

2nd response to Mark:

There are several reasons why I don't want to remove them and plant new trees. 

One reason is cost as I dont have $$$ to spare to buy new trees or bushes.

Other reason is I like those trees as they are good for privacy and where I live many homes have same trees thou shorter.  That makes it look nicer and makes home not stand out from others. And it would take a long time for new trees or bushes to have same privacy the current ones do.

 

 

Thanks to all of you for the help and info.

Dune

[Dan Maynard]

You can do this but they'll grow back with some weird shape so most likely you'll want to keep trimming them back, so I would suggest you need to be prepared for the ongoing maintenance.

[Stere]

 

Gonna stand on the flat roof with pole saw? 🤨

[Steven P]

If you are going to pay someone to do the work it might be cheaper to fell them and buy 2 new trees to replace them than have someone climb up there and reduce their height..

[Dune]

Hello Dan, Stere & Steven,

 

Thanks for the fast reply.

To the left of the trees is a flat roof so was thinking of using my old pole chainsaw.

I think It has a 7 feet reach and not much around it so any chance of damage should be low.

 

As for the flat roof part it is the same height as the red line and is about 12-15 feet high.

Once I decide to reduce their height I will keep removing any shoots that come out the top.

 

Still not sure if I will do it, but really need them shorter than they are.

 

Thanks

Dune

[peds]

You seem to know what you want, best of luck with it.

 

Listen, Check back in and let us know how you get on. The last time someone tried to do this, they kept us posted of their progress then just... stopped coming back.

 

Don't leave us hanging, yo?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Doug Tait]

3 hours ago, Stere said:

 

Gonna stand on the flat roof with pole saw? 🤨

 

Crystal Ball