Ageing tree maintenance help
Hi all,
We have a fairly large and mature tree in a prominent position on which boughs seem to be dying and breaking off.
We have lost 2 fairly substantial branches this year of approx 2-3" Dia as the wood becomes very weak and the branches break off easily. This must have been occurring for some time (we inherited when we moved here 18mth ago) as there are some seemingly old branch stumps.
The tree still bears leaves, and blossoms (a little sparsely IMO) in April-May so it is not yet dead.
A positive ID of this tree would be good (I'm assuming a prunus?)
Is loss of branches a natural product of ageing or is it suffering from some dreadful lurgy? if so is this going to prove fatal?
If not, then should I prune back the weakened branches or just leave them be?
My inclination is to cut hem back although I read on another thread that this would be best done in Summer (assuming it is a cherry tree) rather than now.
Any comments, suggestions and help most welcome and appreciated.
Owd.




We have a fairly large and mature tree in a prominent position on which boughs seem to be dying and breaking off.
We have lost 2 fairly substantial branches this year of approx 2-3" Dia as the wood becomes very weak and the branches break off easily. This must have been occurring for some time (we inherited when we moved here 18mth ago) as there are some seemingly old branch stumps.
The tree still bears leaves, and blossoms (a little sparsely IMO) in April-May so it is not yet dead.
A positive ID of this tree would be good (I'm assuming a prunus?)
Is loss of branches a natural product of ageing or is it suffering from some dreadful lurgy? if so is this going to prove fatal?
If not, then should I prune back the weakened branches or just leave them be?
My inclination is to cut hem back although I read on another thread that this would be best done in Summer (assuming it is a cherry tree) rather than now.
Any comments, suggestions and help most welcome and appreciated.
Owd.





Just another day at the plant...
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Thanks for your responses.
Naturally, not what I was hoping to hear.
I do not think the tree is structurally unsafe and in any danger of falling over and I'd hate to have to lose it mainly I suppose because it would be a huge loss of a major garden feature.
However, what will be etc, so as suggested i'll find a specialist to take a look and then act accordingly.
Cheers
House is 70 years old, so likelihood is the tree is maybe approaching that age too.
I understand that it may be considerably weakened whilst not outwardly showing any particular obvious signs, so I will take advice as suggested and then consider my options.
If it has to go then it will definitely be replaced with a new tree or trees, there are many that tickle my fancy but, apart from the disruption to adjacent and dependant plantings (the clematis' that grow up it, and hostas that profit from it's shade for instance) it's still the time investment required waiting for new trees to mature.
Oh well embrace the challenge eh?...
I'll update progress on this once I get a professional opinion.
Thanks all for your comments and interest.
Owd