I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is about 3
feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a number
(about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree. The largest of these
branches is about 2 inches where it exits the trunk, although most are
around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them at all and they smaller shoots
break easily. Also, most also have very blunt cut ends where it looks like
they were pruned years ago (by the previous homeowner). By far, most of the
tree is fine, with very full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the best
time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the dead
ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during winter,
but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches. Other articles
say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a pole
saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

Any information would be appreciated.

Mike O.

"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

"Dan Espen" wrote in message
...
"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

On May 23, 7:36 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is about 3
feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a number
(about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree. The largest of these
branches is about 2 inches where it exits the trunk, although most are
around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them at all and they smaller shoots
break easily. Also, most also have very blunt cut ends where it looks like
they were pruned years ago (by the previous homeowner). By far, most of the
tree is fine, with very full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the best
time of the year to do this...

Dead of that size is immaterial when it is removed.

Major pruning is best in fall or very early spring, but dead is
already dead and certainly anything less than 5-6" is of no concern at
all.

"Mike O" writes:

"Dan Espen" wrote in message
...
"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything
that will damage the rest of the tree.

Just remove the branch.
Leave the rest of the tree alone.

On Thu, 24 May 2007 00:36:10 GMT, "Mike O"
wrote:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is about 3
feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a number
(about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree. The largest of these
branches is about 2 inches where it exits the trunk, although most are
around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them at all and they smaller shoots
break easily. Also, most also have very blunt cut ends where it looks like
they were pruned years ago (by the previous homeowner). By far, most of the
tree is fine, with very full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the best
time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the dead
ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during winter,
but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches. Other articles
say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a pole
saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

Any information would be appreciated.

Mike O.


Remove dead branches any time of year. Use a pruning saw.

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...



"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...



"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"How could you ask me to believe in God when there's
absolutely no evidence that I can see?" -- Jodie Foster

On May 23, 8:36 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is about 3
feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a number
(about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree. The largest of these
branches is about 2 inches where it exits the trunk, although most are
around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them at all and they smaller shoots
break easily. Also, most also have very blunt cut ends where it looks like
they were pruned years ago (by the previous homeowner). By far, most of the
tree is fine, with very full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the best
time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the dead
ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during winter,
but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches. Other articles
say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a pole
saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

Any information would be appreciated.

Mike O.

During the daylight would be best.
Make the final cut at the outside edge of the branch collar -not flush
against the trunk
Make the first cuts a foot or so away from the trunk to remove weight
so thet the final cuts don't tear bark down the tree.
Use no sealants.
Take your time and work neatly, a pole saw can be clumsy when your
shoulders are tired, it's not a set of commonly worked muscles!

Mark Lloyd writes:

On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...



"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.

Sealing the cut is OLD.
No longer recommended.

But NEVER recommended for dead branches.
There is nothing to seal.
It's dead.

On Thu, 24 May 2007 11:36:07 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:


But NEVER recommended for dead branches.
There is nothing to seal.
It's dead.

If that is the case, why do they have sealed coffins for humans?

"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 24 May 2007 00:36:10 GMT, "Mike O"
wrote:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3
feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a
number
(about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
Snip
I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is
the best
time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about
the dead
ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter,
but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles
say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

There are a number of different Oaks, some are more susceptible to
disease than others, so that will have to be a consideration.

In our area (TX), there are primarily "Live Oaks" that keep their
leaves all winter and shed in the spring as they put on new leaves.
There is also a disease called "Oak Wilt" that kills these trees.
These trees should never be trimmed in the spring and summer, only
in the winter. But, small dead branches can be cut without a
problem, so I'd guess since yours are all dead, that you are safe.
But if I was doing it, I'd contact the county extension service or
an aborist for advice. Also, alwasys sterilize your tools with
alcohol.

Bob-tx

mm writes:

On Thu, 24 May 2007 11:36:07 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:


But NEVER recommended for dead branches.
There is nothing to seal.
It's dead.

If that is the case, why do they have sealed coffins for humans?

Total waste of money.

Eventually you're going to rot, the coffin is going to rot,
the worms will eat you. Whether it's in one year or ten thousand
makes little difference.

Personally, I'd rather be buried in a landfill,
container optional.

On Thu, 24 May 2007 09:44:17 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...



"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.

Painting a tree cut has been replaced with "keeping the cut clean."
Trees heal faster without painting or use of tar sprays.

On Fri, 25 May 2007 00:19:32 -0400, mm
wrote:

On Thu, 24 May 2007 11:36:07 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:


But NEVER recommended for dead branches.
There is nothing to seal.
It's dead.

If that is the case, why do they have sealed coffins for humans?

There's some stupid belief about things lasting forever. It doesn't
(and shouldn't) do that.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"How could you ask me to believe in God when there's
absolutely no evidence that I can see?" -- Jodie Foster

On Fri, 25 May 2007 09:42:33 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

mm writes:

On Thu, 24 May 2007 11:36:07 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:


But NEVER recommended for dead branches.
There is nothing to seal.
It's dead.

If that is the case, why do they have sealed coffins for humans?

Total waste of money.

Eventually you're going to rot, the coffin is going to rot,
the worms will eat you. Whether it's in one year or ten thousand
makes little difference.


It does make some. Rotting is a normal part of nature.

Personally, I'd rather be buried in a landfill,
container optional.

There's something really wrong about being expected to spend thousands
of dollars on a box (coffin) which is then put in another box you
spent hundreds of dollars on, and then buried forever.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"How could you ask me to believe in God when there's
absolutely no evidence that I can see?" -- Jodie Foster

On Fri, 25 May 2007 04:18:46 -0600, "Bob"
wrote:


"Phisherman" wrote in message
.. .

[snip]


In our area (TX), there are primarily "Live Oaks" that keep their
leaves all winter and shed in the spring as they put on new leaves.

The people across the street (east Texas) have a couple of
30-year-old live oaks. The shed in the fall too, and those tough
narrow leaves are hard to clean up. They wish they hadn't been told
that live oaks make good shade trees.

[snip]
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"How could you ask me to believe in God when there's
absolutely no evidence that I can see?" -- Jodie Foster

On May 25, 12:07 pm, Mark Lloyd wrote:
..

The people across the street (east Texas) have a couple of
30-year-old live oaks. The shed in the fall too, and those tough
narrow leaves are hard to clean up. They wish they hadn't been told
that live oaks make good shade trees.


Can't be worse than magnolia leaves! They're big, thick, take years to
rot, fall all year long, and blow over 3 city blocks. My advise to
magnolia tree owners - if it's less than 100 years old, cut it down.

Red

On May 25, 9:20 am, Phisherman wrote:
On Thu, 24 May 2007 09:44:17 -0500, Mark Lloyd



wrote:
On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...

"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.

Painting a tree cut has been replaced with "keeping the cut clean."
Trees heal faster without painting or use of tar sprays.

Dead branches heal faster???

On 25 May 2007 10:38:09 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 25, 9:20 am, Phisherman wrote:
On Thu, 24 May 2007 09:44:17 -0500, Mark Lloyd



wrote:
On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...

"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.

Painting a tree cut has been replaced with "keeping the cut clean."
Trees heal faster without painting or use of tar sprays.

Dead branches heal faster???

Who said that, and where??

Mike O wrote:
I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is about
3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there are a
number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree. The
largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the trunk,
although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them at all
and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have very blunt
cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by the previous
homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very full, green
leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the dead
ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

Any information would be appreciated.

Mike O.


That fact is that a truly dead branch will eventually self-prune as soon
as microorganisms and fungus and insects do their work and a wind comes
up. You can hasten the process by cutting the dead branches right now.
The key is to avoid causing more damage in the process. Things like
leaving the collar intact and avoiding bark tears are important whether
the branches are live or dead.

--
John McGaw
[Knoxville, TN, USA]
http://johnmcgaw.com

On May 25, 5:26 pm, Sam E wrote:
On 25 May 2007 10:38:09 -0700, dpb wrote:



On May 25, 9:20 am, Phisherman wrote:
On Thu, 24 May 2007 09:44:17 -0500, Mark Lloyd

wrote:
On 24 May 2007 06:11:57 -0700, dpb wrote:

On May 23, 7:57 pm, "Mike O" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...

"Mike O" writes:

I have a large, mature oak tree, about 40 feet tall, the trunk is
about 3 feet thick at the base. The tree appears healthy, but there
are a number (about 10) dead branches near the bottom of the tree.
The largest of these branches is about 2 inches where it exits the
trunk, although most are around 1 inch. They have no leaves on them
at all and they smaller shoots break easily. Also, most also have
very blunt cut ends where it looks like they were pruned years ago (by
the previous homeowner). By far, most of the tree is fine, with very
full, green leaves.

I'd like to remove these dead branches, but I'm not sure when is the
best time of the year to do this. I've done some searching, and found
information regarding pruning live branches, but not much about the
dead ones. Some of the articles I've found state to trim only during
winter, but that would be much harder to identify the dead branches.
Other articles say mid to late summer (starting late June) is OK.

The dead branches are all fairly low (reachable from the ground with a
pole saw), and finances are somewhat tight right now, so bringing in a
professional isn't really an option.

The branches are dead.

They don't get deader at any particular time of year.

Cut them off anytime.

I realize the branches are dead, I just want to avoid doing anything that
will damage the rest of the tree.

The only likely damage to the rest of the tree is a crude cutting job
that lets a branch fall and strip bark back into a live section. But
w/ stuff this small even that is pretty minimal w/ any care exercised
at all...when you get to taking off a large limb 6" or more, then some
care is warranted.

I remember something about painting the cut area to prevent decay. You
can get clear paint for that.

Painting a tree cut has been replaced with "keeping the cut clean."
Trees heal faster without painting or use of tar sprays.

Dead branches heal faster???

Who said that, and where??

Read the thread title, look at the emoticon, and chill...

"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 25 May 2007 04:18:46 -0600, "Bob"

wrote:


"Phisherman" wrote in message
. ..

[snip]


In our area (TX), there are primarily "Live Oaks" that keep their
leaves all winter and shed in the spring as they put on new
leaves.

The people across the street (east Texas) have a couple of
30-year-old live oaks. The shed in the fall too, and those tough
narrow leaves are hard to clean up. They wish they hadn't been
told
that live oaks make good shade trees.

[snip]

I learn something everyday. I'm from south and central TX, and the
Live Oaks around here don't shed in the fall season.

Yep, the leaves are a bit tough but I just leave them and the mower
shreds them after a few mowings and the grass grows through them and
the leaves rot away under the tree.

Bob-tx

Bob-tx

On May 26, 5:36 am, "Bob" wrote:
"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message

...



On Fri, 25 May 2007 04:18:46 -0600, "Bob"

wrote:

"Phisherman" wrote in message
. ..

[snip]

In our area (TX), there are primarily "Live Oaks" that keep their
leaves all winter and shed in the spring as they put on new
leaves.

The people across the street (east Texas) have a couple of
30-year-old live oaks. The shed in the fall too, and those tough
narrow leaves are hard to clean up. They wish they hadn't been
told
that live oaks make good shade trees.

[snip]

I learn something everyday. I'm from south and central TX, and the
Live Oaks around here don't shed in the fall season.

Yep, the leaves are a bit tough but I just leave them and the mower
shreds them after a few mowings and the grass grows through them and
the leaves rot away under the tree.

From T A&M U Ag News (I ran across this while looking for some other
information and happened to recall it...) --

http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/sto...T/Feb2207a.htm

"Cold weather may turn live oak leaves brown, but ... the discolored
leaves will drop in early spring. New leaves sprout and grow in spring
and early summer, but unlike many evergreens, live oak leaves only
last a year.

"This leaf shed and re-leafing ... is sometimes so dramatic it leaves
the trees naked for one or two weeks in the spring. ... "Genetics and
environmental influences determine the degree of live oak leaf color,
size and shedding."


Like you, am used to a real live oak having its annual shed in the
spring, but know they tend to shed to a greater/lesser degree year
'round. As this note says, there are genetic and environmental
influences to make for differences. Disease or (primarily) insect
pests can cause an unnatural shed, too, of course. Really neat
trees, wish they could survive winters here. It's how we knew as kids
we were "south" on the way to visit family -- when the live oaks and
so on became prevalent...

replying to Red, dino717 wrote:
magnolia tree leaves are great, easy to rake and pick up and provide great
shade.

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ee-219647-.htm

On Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:14:07 GMT, dino717
m wrote:

magnolia tree leaves are great, easy to rake and pick up and provide great
shade.

Do you even know how long it takes, in years, for a Magnolia leaf to
decompose?

The subject was about Oak tree branches. What did I miss?

On 8/20/2018 2:30 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:14:07 GMT, dino717
m wrote:

magnolia tree leaves are great, easy to rake and pick up and provide great
shade.

Do you even know how long it takes, in years, for a Magnolia leaf to
decompose?

The subject was about Oak tree branches. What did I miss?


That got me too and magnolia leaves are a PITA as they must be removed
and take a long time to disintegrate. The flowers are beautiful but
bloom is short and if you get a lot of them, they must be raked up too.

TO dead branches I say anytime otherwise pruning is best in the winter.