Tree maintenance and plant care tips by Northern Beaches arborist, Chris Allchin.
Chris was called to remove a radiata pine tree on a client’s Northern Beaches property that had been incorrectly pruned in the past, causing irreparable damage to the tree’s growth, making it dangerous to remain.
Previously, another tree services company had removed the tree’s apical stem – a significant mistake for this species.
The importance of a pine tree’s apical stem
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.
Most trees have an apical stem, as it is a common feature in plants that grow vertically. The apical stem is found in both deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as many shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Examples of trees with prominent apical stems include:
- Pine Trees – Coniferous trees with a distinct central leader or trunk.
- Oak Trees – Deciduous trees with a dominant central stem in their younger stages.
- Maple Trees – Deciduous trees that usually have a strong apical stem when young.
- Spruce Trees – Coniferous trees with a well-defined central leader.
- Birch Trees – Deciduous trees that typically have a dominant apical stem.
- Fir Trees – Coniferous trees with a strong vertical growth habit.
Why correct pine tree pruning is vital
When a tree’s apical stem is removed, several problems can arise that can affect the tree’s growth, structure, and overall health, making the correct pruning of certain species vital.
Problems that can occur when a tree’s apical stem is removed include:
- Loss of vertical growth: The tree may lose its natural vertical growth direction, leading to a shorter, bushier appearance. This can be undesirable in species where height and a strong central leader are important.
- Increased lateral branching: Removal of the apical stem often stimulates the growth of lateral (side) branches, as the hormone auxin, which suppresses lateral growth, is produced in the apical meristem. This can result in a more uneven and less structured growth pattern.
- Weak structure and stability: The tree may develop multiple competing leaders (co-dominant stems), leading to a weak structure. This can make the tree more susceptible to splitting or breaking, especially in high winds or under heavy loads like snow.
- Increased risk of disease and pests: Removing the apical stem can create an open wound that may be susceptible to infection by diseases or infestations by pests. The tree’s natural defenses may be compromised, leading to long-term health issues.
- Delayed maturity: The removal of the apical stem can slow the tree’s overall growth and delay its maturity, potentially impacting fruiting or flowering in species where this is important.
- Aesthetic issues: The natural shape and form of the tree may be altered, leading to an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. This can be a particular issue in ornamental trees where appearance is a key factor.
- Reduced timber value: For trees grown for timber, removing the apical stem can reduce the value of the wood by creating irregular growth patterns and reducing the straightness of the trunk.
QUESTIONS ABOUT PINE TREE PRUNING?
To discuss the importance of correct pine tree pruning techniques, 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.