We’re located in the South. We have two massive, mature, and seemingly healthy pecan trees located about 15-20 feet from our back deck and house. My husband loves them for the shade they provide in the summer, but they will randomly drop large limbs. It makes me nervous because I have young children who play right under them. A branch recently fell during a wind storm (picture included), so I’m wondering if we need to trim them or just cut them down completely.
by WittyTactics10
19 Comments
Don’t cut them 🥺…. I think pruning them would be good.
No
You just need a professional to clean them up. Without spikes.
I absolutely would NOT take these trees down. They’re beautiful pecan trees lots of people would love to have these.
Do what is right for your family?
Pecan trees are a really durable hardwood.
Try to trim up those lower “sucker branches” to thicken up the canopy. (They’ll pull nutrients early and you may see some dieback on a few branches higher up in the tree.)
How many times have they “dropped” seemingly healthy branches? Just a couple times, both during strong winds? These trees honestly look great, I’d personally keep them, but your concern for your children will always take precedent. But I’m not sure there’s much need for concern.
Just keep trimming those lower clusters of branches, I do see some thinning branches up top.
Third one doesn’t look the best but ngl these all look like decent trees that just need some clean-up.
20-15 feet you should be fine. If they could hit your house, I’d cut them.
Just don’t stand under in a storm
Certified TRAQ arborist here (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)
There are a ton of variables to consider when determining the risk associated with trees. Too many for a proper assessment to be done with only photos on a forum like this.
You’ll want to find a certified TRAQ arborist near you to look at them and help you determine whether or not you’re comfortable living with them. You can find one by following [this link](https://www.treesaregood.org/).
In the mean time, it might ease your mind to know that when trees and limbs fall, it most often happens during storms or high winds. Most people are not outside around trees during events like that.
We all love trees here but we love our families more. If you decide they need to come down, that’s totally reasonable. Besides, it keeps us tree guys in business. You’ll want someone insured and bonded which might be a more expensive, but the work will be cleaner and safer and you’ll be protected from liability.
Good luck!
Please no
Also pecans will self shed branches. I have a few orchards of them and cleaning up branches is just part of the regular process.
Nope
Is that a golf course back there?
don’t have children play outside in windstorms.
Pecans can sometimes shed branches because of girdling insects. Picking up the branches and destroying them will help tame the population.
Our pecan tree is just starting to drop nuts.
Good thing you don’t have to pick pecans from the tree like other fruit. That ladder would be awful tall. 🤣
Absolutely NOT!
It’s such a beautiful tree
why are they shaped like that? Where are your mid level branches x.x