pruning problems

[Tom Hall]

hi guys and gals

 

As i am new to the job, just 3 months in i am struggling with the more delicate side of the job, so any suggestions on the best methods of pruning please.

 

methods of moving round the canopy in a way to get the job done accurately and quickly

 

how to prune to a percentage

 

what to prune, do you just cut out small branches of should you take out some timber too

 

tom

[Mikelawn]

This doesn't just come over nite. My advice would be get with a company for a couple of years and observe the guys who can prune.

[David Goss]

You need to look at the tree 1 branch at a time, you can generally ignore the tree as a whole and just work branch by branch. Reduction is by percentage lets say 25% so you are aiming to take off a quarter of every branch. Keep that in mind but also your pruning points must be good so what I do is look and say ok I need to take this much off this branch so then I cut at the closest point. Not always exact but when you come down and have a look it's more or less perfect

[RobArb]

Pruning is no longer done by a percentage as the spec was too vague, BS 3998:2010 now states a meterage should be stated ie take 50cm off, take 1m off each branch etc

 

If it's possible try to get and keep one anchor point and work the tree in quarters (or more), or work round it like peeling an orange. Takes time and practice but you'll get there

 

Sent from my Galaxy S2

[daveindales]

Decide which side of the tree to start on. Cover as much as you can from your anchor point, and get your groundsman to confirm with you that all looks ok after pruning. Gradually, move around the tree, and keep asking your groundsman. I good groundsman should be able to help you a lot. I take a small pole with a hook up with me. I find it aids moving about the tree. Very simplified, the first thing to go for is any dead, dying, crossing/rubbing and diseased limbs. If it's a light problen, then go for other branches and try to leave an even-looking crown

However, this is not always possible, for example, you may find that a main limb is diseased, do you take it out and spoil the shape of the tree, or do you leave a potential threat. The answer to this will depend on a number of factors. Experience, a chat with your groundsman and a chat with the client will help.

 

As far as percentages go, if the spec says remove 20%, I would guess about 20%. Nobody would really know if you'd taken 17% or 23%. Don't get too hung-up on exact percentages

 

The main advice I'd give you is not to take your rope down until you and the client have taken a look and chat together. Pain in the neck if you have to go back up.

 

I'm sure others on this forum will have more tips for you

[daveindales]

Pruning is no longer done by a percentage as the spec was too vague, BS 3998:2010 now states a meterage should be stated ie take 50cm off, take 1m off each branch etc

 

If it's possible try to get and keep one anchor point and work the tree in quarters (or more), or work round it like peeling an orange. Takes time and practice but you'll get there

 

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

I'm sure your right Rob, but my LPA still quotes percentages. Hence, my reply

[BTS]

try shadowing someone years and years ago when i first started i spent a week in the tree with experienced climber and picked up a massive amounts of info, technique of him, (not sure if health and safety would allow it now)

[Marc Lewis]

There is no problem to prune by percentages. if a customer asks you to thin their tree by 25%, whats the problem. we all know what 25% is.

 

You may however not be able to apply to your local authority quoting percentages as some now require measurements.

[RobArb]

I'm sure your right Rob, but my LPA still quotes percentages. Hence, my reply

 

Mine too:001_rolleyes:

 

Have told em, but to no avail....

[David Goss]

Pruning is no longer done by a percentage as the spec was too vague, BS 3998:2010 now states a meterage should be stated ie take 50cm off, take 1m off each branch etc

 

If it's possible try to get and keep one anchor point and work the tree in quarters (or more), or work round it like peeling an orange. Takes time and practice but you'll get there

 

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

Ok so i am old school AGAIN!

percentage is all i have unless i know the size of the tree. I cant tell him to take a meter off if he should only be taking 50cm off so percentage is all i can advise on at the moment.

 

I often take the very tops off first because sure as hell when you have perfectly cut every branch below and then take the top, you will break some of your pruning points. Clearing out dead, rubbing and broken branches on your way up gives you a better idea of what you have left to work with.