Branch Strength Loss Implications for Silver Maple ( Acer saccharinum) Converted from Round-Over to V-Trim    (View PDF)

Gregory A. Dahle, Harvey H. Holt, William R. Chaney, Timothy M. Whalen, Daniel L. Cassens, Rado Gazo, and Rita L. McKenzie

Abstract: Trees converted from round-over to V-trims could develop a canopy of potentially weak watersprouts growing on parent stems with a high probability of decay. This study was conducted to determine if the conversion from round-over to V-trimming predisposes silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) trees to failure, and if decay is more likely to occur in watersprouts arising after heading cuts than in branches arising from lateral buds. Watersprouts were mechanically pulled from converted trees and found to be 49% weaker than normally occurring branches. Branch strength at failure (stress) decreased as watersprouts grew in size, and decay was present in over one-half of the watersprout at the point of failure. The conversion from round-over to V-trimming appears to predispose silver maple trees to failure.

Keywords: Decay; line clearance; round-over; silver maple; strength loss; stress; topping; utility arboriculture; V-trimming; watersprout

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2006.020