Would you call it topping? Redwood

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Indeed, my rather dull point was a general one and not really aimed at Mario's dilemma. You're quite right of course, a single cable prevents the included union from bursting open from incremental growth and gravity but not from a side load.

 

There look, I've agreed with you - it happens to everyone once!

 

 

Oh Tony, it will happen again! your not the only smart arse around here:biggrin:

[Mark Bolam]

Where is the prevailing wind loading coming from?

 

Would taking both leaders out at the same height as the proposed 'topping' cut not present a better long term option? Might make for a more balanced crown eventually.

 

And you could charge more!

[rbtree]

As topping of conifers should be a last resort, I'd examine the intact lead for any weakness....especially since it now stands alone. I'd first consider a 50% thin (end weight reuce if appropriate) of its upper area, or a careful height reduction, but not as low as the broken out lead.

[mdvaden]

As topping of conifers should be a last resort, I'd examine the intact lead for any weakness....especially since it now stands alone. I'd first consider a 50% thin (end weight reuce if appropriate) of its upper area, or a careful height reduction, but not as low as the broken out lead.

 

 

The man called back and was hoping to get at least a couple of cuts for some branches that seemed broken. I put him in touch with my arborist friend who climbs, and he's going to examine the whole tree top in detail while doing a few cuts. That will provide a good basis for estimates of anything else needed.