Tree Pruning

[JellyRoll23]

Have a small maple, maybe 20 ft. high. The top branches are split at a "Y". The "Y" has been split apart from another limb falling on it.

How should I prune this?

1) Cut below the "Y"? This would top the tree.

2) Cut the smaller portion of the "Y" off?

3) Do I need to treat the open wound after I cut?

4) How do I get up there?


I really want this little tree to grow as well as possible.

Thanks,

JR23

 

[Jay Banks]

Jell,
It sounds as if you have the classic co-dominant leader syndrom.

In which case you could sacrifice the smaller (weaker) leader to support the new main trunk.

Do not treat the tree wound with anything. To do this can you rent a pole pruner?

I hate the cuts pole pruners make but I don't see any cost effective alternative.

 

[treeclimber165]

If only one side of the 'Y' is broken, just cut off that part. Cut the broken side off at the fork, do not leave a stub.
If both sides are broken badly, you will need to come down to the next decent size limb- preferably one at least 1/3 the size of the trunk. Cut the trunk just above that good limb, as close as you can. (You don't want to leave a stub, you want to redirect the top growth to the good limb.)
Good luck with it! Hopefully the tree is young and strong enough to re-establish a main leader.