define reduction

[Amelanchier]

I still disagree, when I'm reducing a tree, that you'd give a 2m specification. I may well cut the longest branches 3 or 4m further back inside the crown. But I would try to leave branches from within the crown that reach where I want my new outside of the canopy to be uncut.

 

Lateral limbs are pruned where they join large diameter side branches.

 

The center leader is cut back to a large diameter secondary branch so that a modified leader remains.

 

This does not change the direction of growth. It encourages stimulation of the apical growth point.

 

That is very different to taking 2m off every branch. I am not trying to "improve" the shape of the tree. I am pruning the tree so that hopefully it doesn't look pruned. Taking a set amount from every branch you can see the cuts at the end of each branch. My way the cuts are less obvious within the crown of the tree. I also believe that the tree responds better as the cuts are in the shade and less likely to send out watershoots.

 

It is very difficult to write a spec which says do this, which is why I like the fluff. It is also more art than science and takes a lot of skill and feel for the tree. Most tree surgeons can't/don't do it. But it doesn't mean it isn't better.

 

Also if you write a spec which says 2m this and 100mm that, some TO straight out of college or nosey neighbor will get out a tape measure.

 

I think we have a little confusion on what sort of trees I might be specifying an all over 2m reduction on! Very species specific!!!

 

All of the techniques you've described are exactly what I would do and recommend to others. Don't take the 2m bit out of context. I'm not specifying a lop!

 

My point is, if you are professionally writing specifications for others, you can't be sure if they know what you know. You have to assume they know next to nothing. If you spec 20%, you have no control and as a professional you've just wasted your time and effort.

 

While you might complain about the tape measure - how else could you enforce works?? How can you check to see if a TPO tree has been reduced by 20%???

[benedmonds]

Tony - I don't have a answer to how to spec reductions.

 

I'm just saying that saying take 2m from every branch is going to mean I'm theoretically restricted and not allowed to take cuts further down inside the tree if they are more than the 2m spec.

 

Maybe not an issue if you have a TO who knows what they are doing but some don't have a clue about the real world...

 

I guess you need something that you can give to the numpties to stop them topping in the name of reductions. I still don't like not being trusted.. and think reductions are an art and therefore you can't be overly specific in a spec. It restricts my creativity!

[Amelanchier]

I appreciate your position Ben. The scale of reduction is an issue. Perhaps it might be better phrased as "... no more than 2m"? I'd anticipate that the majority of removed branches would be smaller than that. Like wise, the cut diameter is the maximum, not the norm.

[benedmonds]

I appreciate your position Ben. The scale of reduction is an issue. Perhaps it might be better phrased as "... no more than 2m"? I'd anticipate that the majority of removed branches would be smaller than that. Like wise, the cut diameter is the maximum, not the norm.

 

Trouble is then the numpty will take the branches all the branches to 2m... I guess the answer could be only to have approved contractors like the corgi scheme working on protected trees... But I'm not sure we want to go down that route.

[Amelanchier]

No we definately don't want to travel that road!!

 

Numpties would be mitigated by the reast of the spec I would hope...

 

"Crown reduce by the removal of the outermost 4m of the leaf bearing canopy back to suitable secondary growth points. Ensuring a flowing branch line and a natural crown habit for the species. Resulting pruning cuts will not exceed 100mm in diameter."

 

When the draft BS3998:2008 becomes published then requiring works to be done to that standard will certainly add weight and detail to any spec!!

[Marc]

I guess the answer could be only to have approved contractors like the corgi scheme working on protected trees... But I'm not sure we want to go down that route.

 

Why not just say reputable firms of known qaulity! You don't have to be approved to work to a high standard, and being approved does'nt always mean you work to a high standard.