| Thinning & Deadwood Removal |
| Thinning is virtually the same as structural pruning. An addition would be to selectively remove limbs to create less wind resistance in trees that are too full. In trees where at least 30% sun does not show through, there is an increased chance for wind damage. A tree that is too full will catch the wind like a sail on a ship and uproot the tree more easily. A proper thinning job removes strategically positioned limbs to allow for strong future branch development while increasing the passage of wind through the crown. A beneficial side effect is better respiration of the leaves. Respiration is the exchange of gasses during and after energy is used for growth. Dead limb (deadwood) removal is perhaps the most important maintenance need for pin oaks and ash trees. An abundance of thousands of small dead twigs routinely afflicts these species. Dead- wood is still connected the interior of the parent limb or trunk and continues to siphon water from the tree. Sort of like if you remove the glass from a kerosene lamp, raise the wick and allow it to evaporate. Water keeps evaporating from deadwood all season long. Removing all the deadwood from a pin oak, including the fine 1/2 inch pieces will make the tree enormously more efficient. Increased growth on less water. Faster growth is a benefit because it is how the tree defends itself from insects and disease. Removing deadwood also takes away the source of most fungal infection mediums. Fungal spores can be introduced into the trunk if deadwood is allowed to remain on the tree. Performing a "Class A" prune costs more but is much more thorough and has long lasting benefits. It is true that, "you get what you pay for." |
| John L. Detherage 502-241-6108 E-Mail Contact |
