Thinking About Stripping My Sycamore Tree While It’s Dormant

Question

My otherwise healthy 4 year old tree has a dead spot at the top. I have a ladder but am afraid to climb that high due to hip and back surgeries. Several years ago a friend in Eastern Oklahoma had one of similar size when a snow event took out most of it’s branches. He stripped the tree (which then looked like a totem pole) and to my surprise came back fully in spring. Do you think I should prune as high as I dare go in hopes it will come back?

Answer 1

Pruning a tree like a totem pole is detrimental to the tree. And the limbs that come back are thin waterspouts. Plus, you should never remove more than 25 percent of a tree or shrub at a time. It shouldn't cost too much to have someone come out and prune the dead area.

These articles should help you with care and pruning:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sycamore/sycamore-tree-pruning.htm

https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/ornamental-plants/pruning-trees-and-shrubs-with-a-purpose/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sycamore/sycamore-tree-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sycamore/sycamore-tree-problems.htm

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST484