How should I prune dead branches in a “bowl” without opening up the tree to disease?

[frankieg]

I am now trying to prune a number of my trees which have been allowed to grow unpruned or badly pruned for many years.

I have badly-pruned dead branches at the top of the main trunk in a “bowl” in between living branches, where rainwater could collect. Please see photo.

If I use a pruning saw to cut these out I am concerned that the rainwater might cause rot or some other disease, maybe even killing the tree.

Is there anything I can do to remove these unsightly dead branches without harming the tree?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @frankieg,

You could cut the dead material away and then paint over the area with Brunnings 250ml Steri-Prune Sealing Paint. For the finishing cut, try to make it at an angle, so water runs off instead of getting trapped in the central area.

Even if you don't cut these branches right down, you could at least reduce their height and then paint their ends with the Steri-Prune. Perhaps this would be more pleasing to the eye.

I don't recommend painting live material with the Steri-Prune. Trees have their own methods of sealing their wounds and stopping decay. Coating live material can trap moisture, prevent sealing, and cause decay.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[frankieg]

Great. Thank you.