I recently bought a house and the previous owners were meticulous with keeping this tree trimmed. Any tools or tips any one can offer?

by Secret-kayyy

16 Comments

  1. NoApostrophees

    my neighbor had made his oak a lil lollipop tree. 

    If you want decent advice.  Show us what the branches look like from the underside and inside the canopy.  

  2. Moist-You-7511

    Personally, I’d immediately cut this down and plant a non-tortured looking tree

  3. LessMenomia

    Let it do its thing for a year and then trim the branches that grew the least, conservatively. Let the tree show you what it wants to be. Edit: im an amateur tree trimmer- not an arborist

  4. kitastrophae

    Looks like the original owner already set you up the template.

  5. SadData8124

    Pole pruner for cheapest and simplest.
    Long sheers and a ladder for quickest and easiest.

    If you like the shape, just cut off the suckers. Looks like it could use some thinning inside aswell.
    Just cut any branches growing straight up.

  6. powerfist89

    *Insert unwarranted “your tree looks like a penis” comment*

  7. Maybe just let it be and grow as it wants to? Unless you love having a giant phallus back there?

  8. Burnt_Timber_1988

    Let it grow and next year thin out 20% of the least active branches or ones that are too dense (cut out any crossing branches). The tree will be able to open up the canopy and reach outward, and reducing the density will let airflow and light into the tree. Reduce the overall volume/density or weak branches by 20% every year or two.

  9. drostandfound

    Step ladder and hedge trimmer with a poke extension.

  10. UnicornSheets

    Obligatory comment- expose that root flare!

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