The trees themselves basically do not require any treatment. Every cut is an intervention in their natural processes. However, trees can only be left to develop on their own in places with minimal access by people. In an urbanized environment, it is necessary to reconcile the needs of people and trees and ensure operational safety. The proposed interventions must stabilize the tree and at the same time respect its physiological functions and the needs of related organisms. The main goal is to extend the life of the tree and ensure operational safety in its vicinity. Each veteran tree requires an individual approach.

Specifics in treating veteran trees:

the tree must be considered as a complex ecosystem

  • the presence of stable dying and dry branches is desirable, they form suitable niches for various types of organisms (the material properties of the wood of a specific species must be taken into account)
  • if stabilization of an veteran tree is necessary, the center of gravity of the tree should be gradually reduced in several stages (so-called perimeter reduction of the crown)
  • interventions must support secondary growth in the lower parts of the crown
  • when relieving unstable parts, it is possible to imitate the natural break of a branch
  • treatment is never a one-time affair, interventions must be spread over a longer period of time and the tree must be returned to regularly

The so-called „Veteran tree management“ type of cut is based on the principles described above, which fully respects the life processes of veteran trees and the organisms attached to them.

Wrong technology:

  • removal of secondary overgrowth in the lower part of the crown and other errors that lead to an increase in the center of gravity of the crown
  • unreasonably strong reduction (sometimes even decapitation of the crown), the intervention should never significantly damage the natural appearance of the tree.
  • application of tree surgery methods – cavity remediation, wood preservation techniques and wound dressings, filling or concreting cavities, roofing them and building various support structures to prevent the lower branches from dropping to the ground and their possible rooting.

Torsos

If a tree poses a safety risk, it is not always necessary to cut it down immediately. Sometimes all it takes is appropriate trimming to lower its center of gravity. Recently, other alternatives to complete felling are starting to be promoted, especially leaving the tree trunk or a high stump (approx. 1 – 2 m). Ideally, we can leave at least one larger branch on the torso, which will support its regeneration. Some trees, e.g. cottonwood, basswood or buckeye, can however quickly regenerate even without a left branch and soon form a new, smaller crown.

Of course, when considering felling or trimming a dangerous tree, we must first consider the safety aspect. The advantage of trunks and tall tree stumps is that the degree of threat to the surroundings is reduced to a minimum in their case, and some rare species of insects can survive in them for a very long time.