4 Ways to Deal With Overly Tall Trees
Posted on: 6 January 2022
Tall trees are beautiful and provide a lot of shade, but they can also be a nuisance. Too much shade can lead to a lack of light for landscaping plants, and the tree may encroach on power lines or put the home in danger. If you have an overly tall tree, the following are five options that may provide a working solution for the problem.
1. Trim Annually
The best way to prevent a tall tree from getting much taller is to have it trimmed every single year. Usually, the ideal tree trimming period is in late winter or early spring but check with your tree service to be sure. By trimming back the branches by about a quarter their length each year, you can maintain a mature tree at a relatively consistent size from year to year.
2. Request Crown Reduction
If the tree is already too tall, you may be able to shorten it slightly. Just keep in mind the process takes several years and only works well for non-conical trees, so it won't be suitable for some conifers. Crown reduction reduces both the height and spread of the tree crown by carefully pruning back all the branches by up to a third of their length. The crown is cut back but the shape is maintained over the course of three or more years, which will gradually reduce the size of the tree.
3. Protect the Growing Tip
The growing tip is the top of the main leader branch. On a conical pine tree, for example, it will be the point of the tree. For trees with more rounded crowns, like maple, it will be the tips of the leader branch or branches that grow up from the top of the trunk. Once cut off, no new growth will appear and the tree may look stunted with a flat top. Proper pruning doesn't remove the growing tip, especially on conical trees, unless it is being done carefully to encourage branching for a fuller crown on those trees with rounded canopies.
4. Provide Additional Support
Sometimes the only concern with a tall tree is stability. If you are concerned about leaning or blowdowns, then you may be able to have the tree supported. Your tree service will begin by trimming the tree carefully to both manage height and symmetry so that the weight balance of the crown is evenly distributed. They may then install support cables or similar to help stabilize a taller tree.
Contact a tree trimming service in your area if you are concerned about an overly large tree on your property.
Share