Why Lion's Tailing is Wrong

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

About Arborist Blair Glenn and the educational, tree video collection. This is my 43rd year in business and it is time that I start giving back. I have had the great opportunity to learn about trees and tree care from some amazing people. I'm proud to call myself a Certified Arborist. We are in a field where few young people want to become Arborists. Maybe the youth of today feel that the work is too hard or maybe the young are being programmed to follow other directions, like high tech careers. In any case, the knowledge that I have been so fortunate to learn may be lost unless there are enough young people who decide that tree work is a good way to make a living. Now think about this, KZbin has only been in existence for the last few years. This incredible new form of public media is an opportunity for those of us who may have something to share, to actually do something about it in a powerful way. Video production has become so easy that just about anyone can do it and anyone can put those videos up for the whole world to see! Whenever and as often as they want, for free! How amazing is that. Now I don't claim to be a professional video producer nor do I intend to become one. I have, however, invested in some high end video equipment and I am learning how to produce the best quality productions that I can. As I continue to learn, the production quality improves. The content that I am focusing on relates to trees and tree care. Those of us who work out in the field with these trees make discoveries and come across interesting things to share. I keep a video camera with me at all times and when I see something unique or worth sharing, I capture it. Not only are new upcoming Arborists able to benefit from these captured video pieces, but homeowners and property managers alike can benefit from being able to find the knowledge that may help them. Tree professionals can also take advantage of this new way of sharing knowledge, by forwarding links to specific tree videos that their clients may benefit from. I started this video project 8 years ago and I intend to continue putting up these educational videos as long as I can. Not everyone will agree with what I say (or show), but everyone can benefit from sharing knowledge about the subject. If you disagree with something you see in a video, say so. Post your comments for others to learn your thoughts as well. This is an open opportunity to teach. The last thing I want to do is profess to be "the one and only expert" on trees and tree care. I do want to continue building this base of knowledge for anyone to benefit from. I have worked in trees a long time but I am still learning every single day. I hope you share my efforts with anyone who may benefit from these videos. And let me know what you think. Respectfully, Blair Glenn I.S.A. Certified Arborist #654

[@DjeehBear]

I love to absorb your knowledge Blair Glen! I am so proud to be a young arborist so amazed by trees and so interested into actual tree care! Migwetch Kitci Manitu

[@TonyMontgomery18]

👍👍👍 Thank you!

[@TonyMontgomery18]

This information is so valuable to me, absolute gold! I’ve wondered about a lot of these judgment calls, and how to deal with trees that I’ve been improperly pruned in the past. Makes me so happy to get this priceless information from someone like you. Thank you very much!!!

[@briansherfield2169]

I am a 30 year experienced arborist. I really appreciate your instructional videos!!!

[@THETOOTHYSMILEYGIY]

Please please please keep up these videos! Your videos are so incredibly helpful and informative! I appreciate the effort you put into making them!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thank Chris, I'll keep at as long as I keep working

[@we7438]

Great all-around pruning instruction and tree assessment video.

[@lostpony4885]

Those trees were heading straight for being chopped down entirely or back to one or two crotches and zero leaves. Excellent work salvaging that mess, looks great.

[@mawolff23]

Great video. Love all the details you gave.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I was afraid it was too long

[@liljrock81]

Leaving the heading cut was a great move on the climbers part! True industrial artists!

[@hbjiyoiho8477]

Excellent video, thank you. I've spent the last couple of days researching proper pruning techniques after having gone in blind with a chainsaw. I'm now looking at how to remedy my rookie mistakes, namely lion's tailing. This video helped explain the structural mechanics really well.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

You are not alone. That is a big reason for my channel. Proper cuts are so important. Learn when NOT to use that chainsaw😊

[@peteacher52]

As usual, Blair, your videos are interesting, informative and cautionary as needs be. They are never too long but unfortunately, this modern age is governed by the attention span of television time falling between commercials. It's almost as if people think that the nice ads are interrupted by boring old programme! If you are looking for an average of viewer preferences, I personally derive more satisfaction from your clips that range from 10 to 20 minutes because I enjoy the nitty-gritty of details. Cheers, and continuing best wishes from NZ.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks Colin, it is an interesting game trying to find an average view time and build a production to fit a norm. I'm happy that you enjoy my longer videos.

[@dananelson3534]

Thanks Blair, no easy decisions there. I can see how your job could be very stressful. Thanks for the tips on how to prune that help the tree heal faster. Admire your experience, thanks for sharing it with us..

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I appreciate your comments. Remember, trees don't actually heal. They surround the wound and hopefully the wound does not get much worse. Often times, i find hollows under a spot where an old cut calloused over. Look up compartmentalization of decay in trees. (Also known as C.O.D.I.T.) per Dr. Alex Shigo

[@ravixof159]

I am seriously considering making a career change due to your videos. I am sick of working on computers.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Ryan Harris wow, from soft hands to hard hands. Work a few side jobs with another tree company to see if you really like it. A big decision like that can backfire.

[@ravixof159]

I've worked most of my life outdoors and in open air machine shops so they aren't that soft yet ;)

[@scottconcertman3423]

Ravix, I'm an arborist loving the Great Outdoors now . I was an electronic bench Tech CNC repairman and operator. But when I apply those same engineering theories to trees, I could see everywhere I looked freshly planted trees and 200 year old growth specimens alike needed the right kind of professional help hardly any had been receiving. Maybe you too have found a calling, good luck

[@ravixof159]

@@scottconcertman3423 I built myself a little machine shop in my garage. I still work in cyber security but i've expanded my hobbies greatly. Thanks!

[@richardmang2558]

Good for you! Follow your passion and work will be there.

[@connormyron.5366]

since im not in the arborist business and just an enthusiastic amateur. i really enjoy your videos and now i must admit i am guilty of lion's tailing without knowing it so thank you! these videos couldnt be long enough with all the information you give!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Well, don't do it again! Thanks for commenting

[@LCHLLO2008]

great video :) amazing none of those limbs had come down on those cars .I definately wouldn't wanna be parking there on a windy day .Thanks for posting.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

LCHLLO2008 I'm glad you enjoyed my video

[@patugejv]

At the very beginning of the video, the first tree that is shown has an orangish looking streak down the bark. I thought cytospora is possible right away. I am seeing it show up in ash looking like that first tree in my area. We had a hard freeze 2 years ago. A 50° day followed by minus 12°. That stress has started a lot of issues. You are absolutely correct not to jump to conclusions. I would investigate farther.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks, quite possible Cytospora but unless it is tested, I generally don't say what I believe it is without saying "might be".

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

What tree species would you recommend to put in these trees place?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Take the parking situation into consideration, I would choose a tall narrow growth pattern or a more compact tree. Hundreds to choose from.

[@stevenread1094]

Great video, I had a few questions after watching it (sorry if these are really basic questions but I just want to learn a few things). 1) Instead of Lion Tailing, how should the trees have been pruned? A picture of a property pruned tree would have really helped me. 2) What trees would have been better for this location? 3) Can bridge grafting be used around the cankers and injuries, or would this not work in Sarasota or on this species of tree? Thank you again, I really enjoy your videos.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Near the end of this video, I show how we pruned these trees. Every tree is unique and decisions need to be based on what that individual needs. These trees were breaking up because of past pruning mistakes.

[@erichaskell]

Loved the depth of information. What variety of tree would have been better?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

More upright structured trees. Lots to choose from. When deco dining on a tree, the growth pattern must meet the location need. In this case, vehicle clearance. I could talk recommendations for hours

[@khajiithadwares2263]

We have this black cherry tree that decided that UP is the only way to go. The trunk is 6 feet tall, the usual lateral branching would have happened in the next 6 feet, but due to having all its branches pruned, now the next 6 feet where branches used to be is just a straight bare vertical circular "rod" holding what "looks" like an eagle's nest somewhere high up like 18-25 feet high. Have to get close and examine in broad daylight to realize its wood, its so circular and even you can fool yourself thinking its a metal rod. It looks ridiculous.

[@terrafur-muhlandscapemanag2354]

Great video it's something I will have to look at when I'm pruning trees, we only handle small trees from that can be worked from the ground without danger and differ to arborist more than not but I would hate to the cause of damaging a tree.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Terra Fur-muh Landscape Management, LLC please enjoy the rest of my collection as well.

[@chrislecky710]

it actually depends on the material your working with and your timing,,, some trees and shrubs bad bud like crazy until they get really mature.. In some cases lion tailing can be used to create new branches in dormant areas the following season similarly to bonsai....

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

So you condone this practice?

[@joseffornek8351]

Nice video! The amount of butchered trees in the Atlanta area is staggering. Seems like the areas with more money tend to lean either on butchery or the best care money can buy. I would like to know your opinion on the three cut process. I hate it as I get the saw stuck every time in the cut even with my sawzall and pruning blade. Also, I hope to make a slideshow of our more interesting and problematic trees at our 2 houses soon if you are interested in that.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

3 cuts to prevent a long rip is a good idea. Final cut has no weight on it so there is little chance of a rip. First undercut does not need to be too deep but if you are using a saws all, be careful. Chainsaw is best or a sharp handsaw.

[@johnlord8337]

10* Great vid. Some of the same options I had to do at East Bay Parks Quarry Lakes volunteer tree pruning (never done for 25+ years) with crazy trees growing in caliche soil (no NKP recognized), and they grow so weird and fast-long branches. Where are they getting their nutrients and calories for growth!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks John. Always appreciate your comments

[@JoeRaygun]

What in the case of the interior branches being epicormic growth as a result of a stressful season? Don't you think that reducing the amount of unstable epicormic growth can restore some growth energy to the existing lateral branches, or ' outer canopy'? I think that it shouldn't be a blanket rule as some trees could benefit from having less weight and sail effect, especially in high wind effected areas where such inner growth is structurally unstable? Just discussing...

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

This would need a tree by tree explanation. Good topic

[@tubeonline629]

I live in Oklahoma, we have lots of Chinese Elms but they don't look like those. ours are hearty trees that grow into massive giants, I don't think anybody plants these or if you can even buy them around here. I do know the wood is stringy, very hard to split for firewood but burns well.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

tubeonline629 I find it very interesting that the same species of tree will grow completely different in another part of the country (or world).

[@tubeonline629]

arboristBlairGlenn yes we have native elm also, but the Chinese elm grow wild. I have a mulberry tree in my yard that must be 200 years old with 3 trunks, seeing your video about the rotting tree with cables that you decided not to take down sure looks like the mess I've got with it. still scratching my head on what to do . . . I sure like your videos thanks for doing them.

[@patugejv]

good video! Is that possibly cytospora canker? I couldnt see in the video like I could if I was right there. The color red or orange usually is the identifier of cytospora. Where a wound is healing it can turn orange or red instead of the color it should be. There can be orange ooze that may look like taco bell sauce. It will vary how it looks on different species. If it is cytospora, it enters through wounds.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Possibly, I never jump to conclusions from just a visual.

[@63256325N]

Busy day. Thanks for the video.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Another day, another tree!

[@timberray9572]

I really enjoy your videos, I was wondering if you have done a video where you demonstrate proper pruning cuts, methods and tools, if you have please send me the link. Thank you.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

That is a subject that am working on. Stay tuned---

[@timberray9572]

Staying tuned.

[@DottyGran247]

Great video, very interesting and informative. I'm interested to know what you do with all the chipped wood, do you sell it, burn it, give it away or does it go to landfill. Thanks. Ann :)

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

If it's clean enough, we have lots of clients who will take it for mulch. We do have to hit the landfill when it is a load with palm, ivy or other brush that is undesirable. Dump fees in my area range between 100. and 225. Per load. Firewood is now difficult with all the no burn laws.

[@CharlestonCurbAppeal]

Blair, I appreciate all your videos! Here's my question: if you have a main branch that keeps growing outward with no good point to cut it back, is it recommended to just cut it off at the end before it starts to interfere with the house? It's a 20 year old Live Oak that we planted when the house was new. Thanks!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Patrick Konen wish I could give you a straight forward answer but without seeing the situation, it would not be right for me to comment. Sorry.

[@whatthefunction9140]

How do you deal with angry home owners saying you took away their dangerous shade?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

😀 most people rate hazard pretty high

[@marbleman52]

A question wrapped in a statement: I know that , generally, if you prune a bush or a fruit tree or tomato plants, etc.,... and other types of trees back down along the branch, that it will put out new limbs and buds that grow into new leafage. My question is that with these trees in this video, will that not happen?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Epicormic growth will occur but limb and trunk framework are very important. Tough question to answer in this short format. Trees are very different than smaller plants.

[@marbleman52]

I gotta look that word up.! ..." An epicormic shoot is a shoot growing from an epicormic bud which lies underneath the bark of a trunk, stem, or branch of a tree. Epicormic buds lie dormant beneath the bark, their growth suppressed by hormones from active shoots higher up the tree "...So....I tried to paste a picture of how that looks...didn't click the proper buttons, apparently..Ha.! I was thinking of new shoots branching out right behind the prune cut and becoming new limbs, like what an apple tree does when you prune a branch back. But these epicormic buds look different; like they are short little "sucker like" growths that don't look like a regular branch or limb. That, of course, wouldn't look 'right' or beneficial to the framework of the tree. Am I anywhere in the ball park here..? Anyway...I enjoy your videos and your huge amount of experience & knowledge and your soft spoken manners are greatly appreciated. Thanks...!!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

+marbleman52 thanks Marbleman, I see all your posts. Why Marble man?

[@marbleman52]

Why marbleman52? My Grandfather mined Black Marble here in North Central Arkansas way back in the years before WWll. There is some of the marble in the old & great Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, and in a few other places around the Country. The Black Marble mine has not been active for a long time but a little of the old equipment is still there. A rock crushing building, or shack as I call it; is made from big Cedar logs cut on site, and it crushed up the lesser grades of black marble into different grades of gravel or chat, as it is called. Those old flywheels still turn on their axles...amazing..!! So I honor my Grandfather with that title, and '52' is my birth year.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

My brother's property in the gold country of California has an old marble quarry on it. Ver rare in CA.

[@JF-fx2qv]

What was the goal? Was it to remove the widow maker? Trim the tree to be a safer tree? Or both? I would have done same. Rig, cut & lower.

[@kkh7114]

Hi Blair Can I translate this video into Mandarin? I've tried to find good educational video about lions tailing. Could only find it here. In Taiwan, many trees are getting lion tailed not only street trees but trees in the park where no car passage... I'd like to make it an educational video to people in Taiwan.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Please do. I would appreciate reaching different cultures and languages. Thanks

[@davidfairman5461]

very interesting. Thank you for your vids.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks David, hope you enjoy my channel

[@kengamble8595]

No, it wasn't too long, you just got my interest going ! 😎 I think that anyone that is here in the first place likes the content enough to watch a much longer video. I like the pop up answer to the question that I had in my head, nice touch ! The only thing that might make it better is a mic closer to your mouth or some way to hear you better over the other sounds. After doing this job will you be able to come back and get these trees in shape, I would think in order to do it right it would take a few years ? Good video, I enjoyed it and learned something, thanks !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks Ken, I don't really plan these videos so the better mic is not generally with me. My phone with it's amazing high def camera is, so--- most often, what you get is what I happen on to. I'll try harder!

[@kengamble8595]

+arboristBlairGlenn Hey, please don't get me wrong, I wasn't trying to be a critic and put you down about the mic ! After I posted that comment I thought about it, heck, actually it's more like we are there with you, walking around, looking and trying to talk over the loud sounds ! 👍 And again, thanks for sharing !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

+Ken Gamble no worries mate

[@toddjacks8288]

Awesome video brother

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks Todd

[@TheDisorderly1]

Does any mushroom at the base of a tree indicate that the tree is in decline or is it only certain types of mushroom? Asked another way, do mushrooms grow at the base of healthy trees?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

They can be non destructive but most often, they are a bad indicator. Need to id the mushroom.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

In Phoenix AZ I hated bidding against "tree trimmers" that only elevated the trees and the poor customers had no way of knowing. My bids were higher and the customers got ripped off due to the ruining of their trees. I said, If you went for a hair cut and the barber shaved your head would you be like wow great job, I won't need a hair cut for another year? Tim Johnson of Artistic Arborists said "No, It would be like going to the barber and he cuts your ears off, the trees health is compromised".

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Stan Rodgers I remember Tim from a conference over 20 years ago. You are welcome to forward any of my videos to your clients if it helps. I find it very useful and of great value.

[@ddoyle11]

Just wondering, what does make a good median or sidewalk tree for these situations of passing traffic and limited route zones etc. And please don't tell me it's Jacaranda!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

ddoyle11 all of the cities now have lists of appropriate tree's that meet certain criteria. Jacaranda are too messy and grow wide into traffic. Tall, narrow, slow growing, deep rooting. Crape myrtle is common.

[@richardmang2558]

Jacaranda roots, what a nightmare for sidewalks and pipes!

[@agentbertram4769]

Most interesting. Thanks Blair. BTW you need to pay some attention to your microphone. Sometimes your voice gets very quiet. Not surprising as you are scrambling around but worth a thought.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Agent Bertram yeah, I know. I need to fire the camera crew--wait a minute, that's me! Just winging here😊

[@agentbertram4769]

You're doing a fine job. Please spare the camera crew. I don't want my comments to cause the loss of someone's job.. :O(

[@alexbeedie6940]

would these species respond well to a heavy Pollard? pollarding is standard practice in here in Europe.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Pollarding is an old world technique that was originally done to produce long straight whips of branches that were perfect for building fences. People today believe that is a good way to prune a tree. Not really good for any tree but it's what some people want and what some people believe is correct. Look it up

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Now, all that being said, if there were no other options, yes, these elms will sprout out well

[@alexbeedie6940]

I'm from the UK and I do a lot of pollarding as do most arborists here is it common to see in the USA?

[@alexbeedie6940]

in the UK we have pollarded Oaks trees that have been re-harvested for approximately 1000 years there are some near where I live that are about 15ft wide and completely hollow inside but still holding out!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

+Alex Beedie unfortunately, it is all too common.

[@bubby913]

What is a ball park figure of a job of this magnitude? Seems like a lot of time evaluating and decision processing, on top of all the physical labor!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Each tree is different but we bid between 4 and 6 hundred each. Costing varies according to difference to areas and costs to run a business.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

I found most of the problems you point out, in the row of cedars in my front yard. Imprudent utility company cuts, lion tailing, rotten spots, major lopsided pruning, splitting, rubbing limbs, and truck damage. I am resisting the urge to grab the chain saw, and looking for solutions in your videos. Because of the brittle nature of the cedars, and being in the Gulf Coast hurricane belt, I need to do something. Being 73 years old and working alone, many acquaintances predict sure death. But I have worked high bridges and aloft on ships, and I can do it safely, having experience and good gear. You will probably tell me to seek professional help, but please be specific, an arborist or a psychologist? LOL

[@tymesho]

play it safe friend. past experience with heights in other vocations are not a valid reason to tackle a job requiring true competence with a power saw. regards.

[@tymesho]

radical decisions on a well done job. interior cleaning is meant to facilitate airflow to prevent broken branches. BUT, moderation is necessary to prevent this damage that's even worse. the marvels of the cambium layers are no match for this ineptness.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Michigan Mister 👍🏻

[@nathantonning]

How can you tell what types of fungi are beneficial and what are detrimental?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Great question with a long answer. There are a number of fungi that live off of healthy wood. Oak root fungus (Armillaria so for example), and weaken roots. Some are bad but slower acting (Ganoderma sp. Laetiperous sp.) etc. beneficial mycelium from decomposing organic matter is very important for healthy root development and soil quality.

[@TheUserid82]

Reference guides will have good high quality pictures in them. They will tell you what that type of fungus is eating and if it breaks down wood you know its not a good thing for a tree. There are a few that only eat the already dead wood and will end up killing decay and there are many that decay the wood so they have more food.

[@nathantonning]

arboristBlairGlenn Thanks for the reply.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

+Nathan Tonning I'm just happy to find people who want to learn

[@MrSilverback62]

I agree. This kind of tree is pretty, but it is nothing but problems. Someone chose fashion over function.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I do know some exceptional examples

[@billgateskilledmyuncle23]

What breed are these?

[@richardmang2558]

@ 0:16 he says they are Chinese Elm.

[@johnr5252]

Definitely a science to this.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@brettleffew1725]

arboristbarglien i wish i lived in your parts i need some good guidence as a 25 year old grounds man im intrested in the trade

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Brett Leffew California is crowded, but it's a great place to live

[@brettleffew1725]

+arboristBlairGlenn im in florida been grounds man for just hard to get info into getting my arborist licensing.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Brett Leffew watch my videos and you will get a lot of good information that should help you in your journey to get certified. Don't give up!

[@redmustang1680]

Lion's tailing, gutting, pollarding, topping. It's all the same, bad for the tree. Certification, license etc. Now a days it's a joke! Most of those companys that have those tools for advertising ploys. They set in an office and pay an unexperienced crew to do the work. Most crews can't even drop crotch a tree! The term arborist is used so incorrectly now days. On a poll, I would like to see those guys/gals actually climb and trim a tree correctly, without the use of an aerial lift.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Red Mustang so what is the answer? Without certification and the effort to improve the industry, we all go backwards. In my area, there are a lot of high quality companies who pride themselves on quality, correct pruning. I have made a good living off of clients who are smart enough to know a good job from a hack job. There will always be hacks and there will always be clients who don't care. I got one strive for a quality company with a reputation for being run by two Certified Arborists. And yes, we both still climb.

[@jeffadams4590]

Red Mustang Well said, great comment. An arborist is someone who went to school for it and is CERTIFIED.

[@sapperdaddy2818]

“Drop crotch a tree”? Please enlighten me.

[@nate2838]

What does drop crotching mean? i'm not familiar with that term.

[@nate2838]

@@sapperdaddy2818 just googled it. i'm used to it being called "crown reduction" pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-458/430-458.html

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

Imagine, after our City utilized this same outdated Arboricultural method. Chicago just "Proudly" completed their six year backlog of Pruning requests within Two years. By shifting crews of Sanitation workers into Forestry, without one bit of pruning removal cut training. Except for Chainsaw Safety and PPE, then only the trees get hurt by flush cuts and remaining attached pegs. Now that's what I call long term Public safety issue ramifications...D0h! And Blair, three solid years after our regions extended four year drought period. Now all of the Lion tail-Crown Lifted Norway Maples, and Siberian Elms receiving Poodle-tail crowning over their last 20 years are dying off in record numbers before reaching age 50. And the older examples which were pruned badly only later in life, suffer from dysfunctional wood throughout the length of their poorly tapered trunks. Resulting in regularally produced Wind throw from up high. Its so frustrating when explaining to owners how absolutely nothing can save them. So...what happens to a tree which normally reaches 60 to 80 feet in height, after years of continued forced crown lifting to keep growing higher? Its not a pretty sight. Today Municipalities who sacrificed every living Ash tree...(from the age of 20, well past the age of 145)...to China's Americanized Emerald ash borer, are now getting a look at the rest of their remaining tree collection presently. Having realized fact that it would have been "Best practice", and in their future communities interest to instead, temporarily protect a number of scattered Ash, until local borer infestation permanently crash below damaging population threshold within 12-15 years. The reality is, when Chicago treats a Public Ash, these trees do not then also face a long list of other species specific problems. Compared to rest of the surrounding collection filled with Silver, Norway, Red, even Sugar Maples and Linden/Basswood/Lime. This quality setting for Urban & Wild Fraxinus in NE Illinois, does differ from other regions where the Ashes suffer from their own list of unique troubles. In the news, further adding to the historic event locally which killed some 13 million Ash trees within four years. Municipalities throughout region finding it suddenly prudent to pay attention to their remaining trees. Are now contracting out for mass pruning of total collections. Specifications state, required work will lift crowns (15"-20"ft. etc.), and open up crowns. Just like this tree collection in video, so we got that going for us now! Also importantly, all were never trained or formatively pruned if installed after 1955-1960. And unlike varieties of the past, which like Sycamore produced Apical dominant stems...Cultivars planted later as replacements for diseased Elms were selected for beauty instead, and produce poor structure naturally. Enjoy!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sounds like someone in charge needs to understand trees rather than just trying to get the work done. As always, I appreciate all your comments. Blair

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

That's the ironic thing, its not Chicago's master certified Arborists fault who are in charge of Forestry and are followers of Shigo's methods. But Streets and Sanitation bosses.

[@jackprier7727]

i think a sycamore, with its fiber-strength, might pull-off those big horizontal branches, but definitely not an elm!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sycamores have their place but have their faults too.

[@ligmaknutts2752]

From what I've seen about the Chinese elms is you can damn near stump them and they'll grow back

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sure, but often times the hard cuts end up becoming long term decay pockets. Chinese elms are more tolerant than most trees but still best not to butcher the tree.

[@danahasson2892]

C.O.D.I.T compartmentlazation of decay in trees.. Wow your Certified Arborist number goes back awhile. Mine is WE-8203AT I'M a Certified Arborist and a Certified Tree Worker

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I was fortunate to have seen Dr. Alex Shigo speak a few times and had lunch with him twice.

[@kingjames4886]

just let the trees grow... they naturally tend to not fall over.

[@ben02f12]

Expect 99% eventually fall over

[@kingjames4886]

@@ben02f12 if you think about the number of days a tree is alive the chances of it being the day it will just randomly die and fall over is more like 0.0000001%... hell, there's like 2-3 dead trees in my yard that have been there for like 10 years and are just rotting in place.

[@ilafalfalujy]

I love you!

[@lostpony4885]

Aaaaaaa almost Fargo-ed us

[@williamnewman8850]

Very hard to follow anything you are saying or following your logic What is this lion tailing you keep referring to but never explain. Also using the word “ sucking” what are you talking about?

[@spierotti14]

kinda frustrating... it just seems like someone comes out does what is best, then someone else comes out and says whats wrong. later on down the years someone is gonna come out and make a video of what yall did wrong..i dont know it just seems like there is no real answer of what should be done most of the time besides doing the best with what you have. like when you try to correct lions tail there are those who would look at this job and some of the branches and say you practically topped these trees

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

spierotti14 the key here is your first sentence. Do what is best but do what is correct for the tree.

[@tymesho]

This species seems lovely, but a terrible choice, location and growth pattern?! Such a nightmare to make intelligent decisions where to cut? Just who the heck decides to put a tree of this size between concrete, and expect it to thrive? Shame on the project manager, more than likely he KNEW this would happen, yet took the money and RAN!