Tree Pruning: Is the Lowest Bid the Best Option?

I was recently called out to examine a customer's Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) for a pruning job. When I saw the wound (below), I was alarmed. "Was this tree hit by a machine of some sort?" I asked. "No," the homeowner replied, "but we did have it pruned about three years ago." As I examined it closer, I saw the tell-tale marks of climbing spurs, and I knew that whoever pruned this beautiful tree three years ago will now be responsible for its death.

A large wound in this Seattle area Tulip tree began three years ago when an ignorant (or lazy) tree service worker used spurs to climb and prune this tree.

Climbing spurs create open wounds in a tree's vascular system, penetrating the protective layer of bark. This exposes the tree to pathogens.

Spurs have been around since the days of old growth forests and huge logging operations. They are great tools for tree removals, giving the tree climber secure footing in often dangerous situations. Climbing spurs should NOT be used in living trees that you want to save.

Several spur marks are clearly seen on the trunk three years after the event. You can see that the lower spot has begun to decay and open up just like the large wound lower down on the stem.

This beloved Tulip tree will live for awhile longer, but its decay and death are inevitable. There is no healing this wound and the other wounds caused by a reckless use of climbing spurs.

 This story should serve as a warning to all homeowners--before you hire a tree service company, do some research:

• ask if they use climbing spurs for pruning
• check for their ISA Certified Arborist credentials (available on the ISA website)

If you are in the Seattle area, call us for a free estimate: (206) 714-9835. 

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