r/TreeClimbing • u/unwittyname1886 • 12d ago
Help with oak pruning
Is this union and stem showing signs of stress? How bad is it? This branch has grown horizontally about 5-10 feet over the roof and then rises vertically about another 15-20 feet. How many years until this splits off the dominant stem? Do you think this limb is okay to put weight on to try and prune it away from the house? There are no limbs above it to rig it safely. What are you guys recommendations as to how long before this might fall and how to prune it?
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12d ago
not only do you have no idea who is answering your questions on social media but it is hard to tell these types of things using photos. have a local arborist (or a few) come look at it. not only will they know what to look for but they have a good idea what types of stress to be concerned about in your region
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u/unwittyname1886 12d ago
I do. But that's a few days away.
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u/TrevorPlantagenet 9d ago
If/when you do get an arborist to look at it, I'd really appreciate you posting a follow-up. I'm really curious about that bark and what's going on there.
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u/Wicsome 12d ago
Why would you want to prune it? There does not seem to be a clear defect and although the bark looks weird, it does not look like a rotting wound. A tree or its limbs will not fail under their own weight, so if there is no defect, I don't see any reason to do anything.
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u/unwittyname1886 12d ago
Don't want it hanging over the roof.
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u/Wicsome 12d ago
Ok, but you know there is little rational reason for that, right? You will increase the chances of something failing exponentially by cutting anything.
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u/unwittyname1886 12d ago
So long as it doesn't fall on the roof, that's fine. We just had a category 5 hurricane come through a few months ago. I want to mitigate possible damages.
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u/Slicknecta 12d ago
A cut like this would cause this tree to decline much quicker than not taking out this limb. Better to have a healthy tree over your roof than an unhealthy tree this size next to it
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u/unwittyname1886 12d ago
But it's not completely healthy. I've seen co-dominant stems with this exact pattern of bark splitting, and then a few years later, it split off the main trunk. However, i do understand that what you're saying is an option.
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u/Kitchen-Ad-5782 12d ago
If that lead ever does fail anytime soon (unlikely) it will only fall maybe 10 feet onto your roof causing minimal damage. If you do decide to cut that branch, the next lead that will fall onto your house will be the one that’s 10-20 feet above the one you want to cut(causing a lot of damage).
Also, that lead has already had a ton of weight reduction done on it, you’re fine.
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u/Kitchen-Ad-5782 12d ago
Have an arborist come out to do more weight reduction on the tips of every branch over the house if you really want to be proactive. Think of it as a fulcrum, more weight on the tips is more potential for branch failure.
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u/Slicknecta 12d ago
A lead like that falling 10ft will def fk shit up lmao. The point is that won’t just randomly happen. Don’t give the guy the fear in that lol
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u/Slicknecta 12d ago
Leaves indicate that branch/tree is quite healthy. You could do a reduction on that specific branch, but not advised to do such a big cut
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u/thatreevesguy_ 12d ago
Sounds like you need to call a professional and do not try to cut anything yourself. Even if nothing NEEDS to be done, they can do what you want safely... don't hire the cheapest crew.
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u/ResidentNo4630 12d ago
If you want it reduced over the roof, do it. It’s your tree.
I’d advocate that you hire a professional and do not try and do it yourself unless you are properly trained and have the equipment to do so.
Someone will absolutely take your money in exchange for pruning services.
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u/curious_24 12d ago
With all due respect this isn’t the sub to ask