On Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:20:20 -0000, Tom wrote:
I have an oak in my backyard that was hit by a falling tree back in
2004. The trunk is 14" - 16" in diameter and the tree is probably 25'
- 30' high. The falling tree pushed the top of this tree into an oak
next to it, and all the branches got tangled. Well 3 years later and
the oak has a pronounced bend in the trunk and has been growing into
the other oak. I would like to bend it back to its original
position. I was thinking of attaching a steel cable as high as I can
get it and use some sort of winch/come-along/ratchet attached to
another tree in the yard to slowly pull the tree back into its
original position over time (or even a little further along). Is this
feasible?
You can see the tree at:
http://www.spilledwhine.com/pics/benttree1.jpg
http://www.spilledwhine.com/pics/benttree2.jpg
Thanks,
Tom Kuhn
A) this tree is WAY overpruned. Low branches contribute to
branch/trunk taper and make for a stronger tree. 2/3 of the
branches should originate in the lower 1/2 of the tree. The small
amount of leaf area remaining is not adequate to support the large
trunk. A drought or severe insect/disease problem could easily finish
this tree off.
B) stubs are better than flush cuts, but these cuts are too stubby.
The trunk will be exposed to decay longer than necessary as the branch
collar climbs out and around these large wounds.
C) it is impossible to tell from a photo whether the lean is caused by
tangling or if the trunk cracked and is compromised. If the trunk is
damaged, pulling it back with a come-along may simply free it from the
other tree and allow it to fall on your house.
My first instinct based on the photos is to remove the tree. A good
arborist could inspect it more thoroughly and might be able to suggest
a plan to right it and save it. I do not recommend trying either on
your own.
Find arborists through the American Society of Consulting Arborists or
the International Society of Arboriculture.
Learn proper tree care at
www.treesaregood.com.
good luck,
Keith Babberney
ISA Certified Arborist #TX-0236AT