Re: root barriers and systemic treatment
SCHRADER@BEACHES.NET
Wed, 16 Oct 1996 01:34:45 -0500
Would advise that you speak with a local certified arborist. Preferably a busy one. However even though I am unfamiliar with the species, There are a few things about trees in general that you may wish to be aware of. Trees do not possess unnecessary parts. All of their parts serve a function. These parts are in proportion to each other (Leaves, stems and roots) A healthy mature tree can only tolerate small losses with out a large risk of decline. Understand that trees continualy grow and get larger. The more stem cells they possess the more leaves they need to feed them and the more roots to support the leaves and so on. When you remove parts the tree will try to replace them so that it may maintain its ever increasing balance. Maintaining a reasonable balance of these parts will assure a healthy tree. Restrict yourself to emoving no more than 30% of the leaf canopy in any one year. 15% to 20% would be better. Prune less but more often is a good rule.
Ask the Arborist to explain about codominant stems and C.O.D.I.T. If he doesn't know what they are get somebody who does.
As to the systemic treatment of the roots growing into the neighbors, I would question thier use and would lean heavily to barriors. Provided an adequate distance was given to the trunk. Remember its the rootsystem that keeps the tree stable and its likely to fall away from the reduced area ( towards your property). 1 foot in radius per each inch of trunk area should be sufficient.
If you can't stay within these guide lines you may wish to consider removing the tree as you may have to any way when it declines and becomes dangerous. You can always grow another tree but may not be able to keep a good neighbor.
George Schrader 904- 769 4060