How NOT to Trim a Tree

These pictures are pretty self-explanatory. We were called out to quote the removal of two large Eucalyptus trees (if we get the job I will definitely post pictures – it will be quite a job!). On arrival I saw these Palo Verde trees Parkinsonia (Cercidium) microphyllum that had really been butchered. This was done by a professional landscaper in a very very upscale golf course community! [NOTE: I subsequently learned that at least some limbs on this tree were broken off by a whirlwind and this was the end result. At that point it should have been removed, as it has been damaged too badly to ever be structurally sound. We’ve been hired for the Eucalyptus tree removal and have also recommended that these trees be taken out.]

How NOT to Trim a Tree

If you don’t understand what is wrong with the above picture, see my post here for a clue.

Dead bark on the top side of all the branches - an open invitation to wood-boring insects!

Taking off all the ends of the branches on this tree exposed it to the full heat of the sun (probably last summer by the looks of the cuts). This sunburnt the bark, killing the cambium layer. The Palo Verde’s normally green bark has turned brown and tan – evidence that it is dead. There are some signs of insect “damage” on the lower end of the picture on the right. I say “damage” because the poor thing has already been damaged enough by the landscapers that there is little harm that any insect could inflict at this point!

If the tree pictured in the above images survives it will end up looking like this!

Here is another specimen in the yard that was trimmed in a similar fashion a year or so earlier. There is another Palo Verde in the yard that was treated this same way a few years ago. All three trees should be removed. They are all ugly and detract from the beauty and value of the property!