Restoration Pruning
Trees abused by misguided pruning efforts, or trees damaged in storms, can recover. The extent of recovery depends on:
- species characteristics, including the ability of the tree to compartmentalize decay
- extent and location of damage
- the skill of the arborist attempting restoration
The arborist cannot affect the first two items. This page deals with the third item, i.e. the techniques used in restoration efforts.
Restoring a tree to a sustainable structure after damage is time-consuming, requires multiple pruning sessions over a period of years, and is difficult to teach to others. It is difficult to actually restore a tree to its previous condition; restoration primarily improves structure rather than restoring it.