Would you crown-thin a poplar?

[paradise]

I think it's a hybrid poplar of some kind, though I'm buggered if I know which one. Someone wants it pruned for light because it's next to the house. Would you?

[Peter]

If the client is standing there with his chequebook open, I'd do practically anything to that tree that made him happy.

[paradise]

Ah, but it's for a friend. Looking at the tree today I suspect it has been crown-thinned (badly) in the past, which accounts for the crown being so thick and bushy today. My instinct says attempting to thin is only going to make it worse but he isn't convinced so I thought I'd ask those with more experience.

 

I suppose if it were done every year it might work, but I'm not gonna do it every year and I doubt he'll pay for that.

[Mozza]

Its a pop mate, personally id be trying to convince him to take it out!!

[Ian C]

Its a pop mate, personally id be trying to convince him to take it out!!

 

Same as, if it's that near the house that a pop blocks out the light, fell it and replant further away.

[paradise]

He'll never go for it - he's a hippy. Just a hippy who wants a bit more light

 

So has anyone tried it on poplars and tracked the results? That's what I was getting at really.

[Will Hinchliffe]

I don't think thinning will have the desired effect. Difficult to comment without seeing the tree. I would suggest a higher powered light bulb or some reflective paint. Maybe you could construct an elaborate system of mirrors or use a sledge hammer to make a new window opening.

 

Think outside the box !

[Mesterh]

Done properly then I cant see it being any worse than thinning a lime, willow etc, yeah sure it will throw out some epicormic shoots even on nice NTP cuts but if he wont fell or it doesnt need felling then its worth doing IMO.

 

TBH i cant remember thinning out any black pops over the years mainly heavy reductions or fells. Although have thinned out a few lombardies!

[MattyF]

I have raised and thinned a few,depends on the tree for regrowt though ,some will go mad others wont barely react but i can tell you the tips will still grow a meter+ a year!

[paradise]

Thanks guys - like your ideas Phenom

 

btw to the fell-and-replant brigade, have you ever wondered if you are part of the reason we're losing tree cover in towns? It seems a very gung ho response. There's nothing wrong with the tree (the shade is a mild annoyance, that's all) and no risk of subsidence - so it could have a good 40 years of useful life left in it. I've advised him to plant a slower-growing tree now in the other corner of the garden so there is a semi-mature there when the poplar pops its clogs.