Trident Chop Timing

[jimlau]

Just got this trident. I want to chop this down low. It looks very healthy. Is now a good time to chop and focus all the energy in a new leader, or should I let it grow untouched for a while?

Trunk thickness is >2". In zone 6.

Thanks.

 

[19Mateo83]

Think of it like doing surgery. It’s better to do it with the tree “asleep” during the winter. Some folks chop any time of the year. Personally I prefer spring right before buds start pushing. That way all the trees resources are available to push new buds.

 

[jimlau]

Think of it like doing surgery. It’s better to do it with the tree “asleep” during the winter. Some folks chop any time of the year. Personally I prefer spring right before buds start pushing. That way all the trees resources are available to push new buds.

Yeah, too late for that. If I chop- now, at this stage of growth, has enough energy been built up, or has not all of if used up, to chop now versus summer?

Is that chop line I've shown seem like a good spot? It just tapers so slowly above there I thought that would be a good place. Or perhaps a bit higher, perhaps where a more developed branch could be the leader?

 

[Shibui]

Soon after the new leaves have fully opened is a good time to chop. The trees are primed to grow now so should respond well.
Don't worry too much about what resources are available at different times of year. It does not seem to make much difference in practice.

I'm always in favour of cutting lower rather than higher. The branch in the picture should be strong enough to take over as leader but I'd leave some margin above it so any possible die back won't compromise the branch. After new sap flow is established and the branch is growing strong you can recut closer with less risk.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Think of it like doing surgery. It’s better to do it with the tree “asleep” during the winter.

Nope, early to mid summer, while it is wide awake.

 

[19Mateo83]

Nope, early to mid summer, while it is wide awake.

That is good to know, I’ve been doing early spring the whole time