Radiata pine tree removal.
We recently visited a client’s property in Beacon Hill, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, to remove a radiata pine tree. The tree’s root system was damaging the sandstone stairs running through the garden, making them unstable and a trip hazard.
Unfortunately, the tree had been incorrectly pruned by another tree services company in the past with incorrect pruning techniques leading to greater, long-term problems. Unknowingly, the other company had removed the tree’s apical stem – a significant mistake for this species.
The apical stem, also known as the apical meristem or terminal bud, is the primary growing point at the top of a tree or plant. It is responsible for the tree’s upward growth and the development of new leaves and branches. The apical stem produces hormones that inhibit the growth of lateral (side) buds, ensuring that the tree grows taller rather than wider. Removing the apical stem can disrupt this growth pattern, potentially leading to a bushier tree with less vertical growth.
Why radiata pine trees must be pruned correctly
In some trees, including radiata pines, apical dominance is about hormone production. The dominant bud at the end of the apical branch produces auxin, a plant hormone, that then travels down the branch and suppresses growth in the non-dominant buds.
If the apical bud is removed, aka pruning the end of the apical stem, auxin is no longer flowing and the non-dominant buds will start to grow in ways that are normally repressed, competing to become the new dominant stem.
Eventually, one of them will become dominant, and start producing auxin, and growth in the other branches will slow or stop.
Due to the changes in apical dominance in this client’s pine tree caused by inappropriate pruning, the horizontal limbs were becoming dominant and elongated. They were now hanging dangerously over the roof of the house.
If this were to continue, the branches would eventually become too heavy, breaking off and likely causing significant damage to the house.
Unfortunately, due to incorrect pruning practices, there was no alterative but to remove the tree.
The importance of employing a qualified arborist
The problems associated with this tree due to incorrect management highlight why its important to employ a qualified arborist when pruning and trimming trees.
Had this tree been pruned and managed correctly from the outset, the shape, growth and root system could have been controlled and it may have remained on the property, not causing problems for many more years, even decades.
TREE PROBLEMS? NEED TREE ADVICE?
To discuss tree removal, prunning and trimming, contact Chris Allchin for advice.
Chris is a qualified arborist and has undertaken 8 years of study in arboriculture, horticulture and landscaping. Chris is passionate about the environment and is always happy to impart his expertise in plant care to his clients.
The team at Banksia Arborcare services Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Upper North Shore, Lower North Shore and Northern Sydney areas 7 days a week.
About Banksia Arborcare
All tree services Northern Beaches and North Shore Sydney.
Chris Allchin, owner of Banksia Arborcare, is a qualified arborist who has undertaken 8 years of study in arboriculture, horticulture and landscaping to gain a broad and varied understanding of tree and plant care. Starting his career in horticulature in 1986 straight after school, Chris started Banksia Arborcare in 1996.
Chris has decades of experience in a wide range of tree services, making Banksia Arborcare a trusted choice in providing expert, local landscaping advice and solutions.
Affordable and reliable tree services
Safe and reliable tree services.
The team at Banksia Arborcare use only the highest quality, most advanced equipment to ensure all our tree services are safe, reliable and completed on time. We always try to endeavour to educate the public on the significant positives of maintaining a green environment and as a result, we always perform our tree services with the environment in mind.
Arboriculture is a dangerous profession and Banksia Arborcare follow all Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines;
- The Banksia Arborcare team wear protective clothing during emergency tree removal and use well-maintained equipment;
- Removal of small and large trees, leaving the area neat and tidy. Banksia Arborcare can offer experience advice on the planting of new trees and they can supply and plant trees;
- All pruning work complies with Australian Standard AS 4373;
- Stump grinding – unattractive stumps can be turned into fine mulch and used in the garden;
- They will discuss any problematic trees you may have and suggest an appropriate course of action.
Arborist reports.
Chris no longer prepares arborist reports personally however can facilitate connections with local specialists who specialise in arborist report preparation. For assistance, contact Chris directly.
Our arborists can often save problem trees.
Trees make our world a better place, but sometimes they can cause problems, and emergency tree removal becomes necessary. That’s why we recommend you employ an arborist to regularly inspect your trees to predict and, importantly, prevent serious tree problems from arising.
When you suspect a tree problem, whether it’s sick or dangerous, in most instances a tree be saved with just a few maintenance steps.
NEED TREE ADVICE?
For advice on how you can maintain happy and healthy trees on your property and neighbourhood, don’t hesitate to contact Chris direct or scroll down to complete our online enquiry form. Chris is passionate about the trees and our environment and is always happy to impart his expertise in plant care to his clients.
The team at Banksia Arborcare service Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore and Northern Sydney areas 7 days a week.