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I have two large Bradord's in my front lawn over 10 yrs old (Northern Delaware). So far I have avoided any damage due to wind or ice storms. Many of my neighbors haven't been so lucky. I was wondering if I thinned out the tree this may diminish the chances of splitting? Both are very dense and if I took out some of the middle branches to reduce some weight this may help at least for a few more years? I don't really want to cut them down and put in anything else. Any advice is appreciated.
cdgarn~
If you want to thin, it would be best to trim branches from the outside. Thinning from the inside or middle would increase the chances of splitting more. In any case the chances get greater the older they get. They don't seem to do very well after about 20-25 years from what I've seen.
This is why I wrote the article and in it suggested that they be removed when they are younger. The older the trees get, the more difficult and costly they are to remove.
You are in the right place, however! Dave's Tree Forum is an excellent resource.
I looked up a few that are known to get very old.
Chestnut
Ginko
Oaks
Some verieties of Juniper
They may seem expensive, but considering the cost of removing the trees when they get older... do some research, & you decide.
I am sure you will get some good suggestions from people in your area on Dave's.
