Notching a Cedar Tree - Ask Extension
A cedar tree has grown too close to the roof edge of our backyard retreat. What can I do? Would it damage the tree if I notched out an area of the tre...
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Notching a Cedar Tree #876984
Asked July 12, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
A cedar tree has grown too close to the roof edge of our backyard retreat. What can I do? Would it damage the tree if I notched out an area of the tree so it does not push over the roof? If a notch would be OK to do, does the notch move higher as the tree continues to grow? How much of a notch could I do? I do not want to harm the tree which we love and it is very difficult to modify the retreat structure. If notching is acceptable, whom should I have do it? I attach two photos for reference. Thank you so much for whatever guidance you can give.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Cutting the tree trunk to preserve the nearby structure is an interesting idea. Hiring a certified arborist (see here) is my recommendation, as it gets a tree expert on site to review all options for you.
Regarding your notching idea, what you are suggesting is to wound the trunk. You’ll need to cut through the bark far enough to give space for the tree to sway in wind storms. I’m not sure how far that is, but looking just at the photo, that will require fully removing the layer transporting water and nutrients to the crown (cambium) at least a little bit. A tree can survive a small wound, as if a branch is pruned. Bigger injuries can result in excessive pitch, growth of wound wood, or cavity development (article from Purdue).
There comes a point when so much of the bark and underlying tissue has been removed that the tree health is compromised and hazardous to your home and personal safety. An arborist who can really measure and visit with you is best.
Oh, and a tree trunk gets larger around, the bark doesn’t move up as the tree grows (this sort of explains it).
Regarding your notching idea, what you are suggesting is to wound the trunk. You’ll need to cut through the bark far enough to give space for the tree to sway in wind storms. I’m not sure how far that is, but looking just at the photo, that will require fully removing the layer transporting water and nutrients to the crown (cambium) at least a little bit. A tree can survive a small wound, as if a branch is pruned. Bigger injuries can result in excessive pitch, growth of wound wood, or cavity development (article from Purdue).
There comes a point when so much of the bark and underlying tissue has been removed that the tree health is compromised and hazardous to your home and personal safety. An arborist who can really measure and visit with you is best.
Oh, and a tree trunk gets larger around, the bark doesn’t move up as the tree grows (this sort of explains it).
