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damaged redbud tree branch leader #741507

Asked March 29, 2021, 10:19 PM EDT

Hi there. My redbud yard tree here in Fort Collins was damaged by a falling limb from another tree during the recent snowstorm. It cracked the tree in the middle, nearly severing the leader branch. I’m wondering if I should cut off the leader branch the rest of the way and then tie up and pull the highest remaining branch so that it goes straight up, training the tree to treat it the new leader and hopefully regaining some eventual symmetry. What do you think? Thanks for your help, Brian Cooke

Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Brian,

I don't think you can prune this tree properly...the split is so far down the trunk. If you were to remove the right side branch, there would be a very large wound that is unlikely to seal over because there isn't the proper tissue to seal the wound. 

You can always have a certified arborist assess the tree, but this is a pretty catastrophic wound. Removal and replacement might be a better option. 

Find an arborist at www.treesaregood.com 

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied March 30, 2021, 11:39 AM EDT
I was afraid of that. Thanks Alison!

Brian



On Mar 30, 2021, at 9:39 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2021, 5:06 PM EDT

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