Bad Trees Photo Album

The following six photos were taken on a stroll around a Seattle neighborhood, which will not be named to protect the well-intentioned.

    

Short stumps mar trees and threaten their health; slightly longer stumps are no better.

This attempt at pollarding leaves the tree looking strange and alien-like. Instead, aim for a natural look that makes the tree a beautiful asset to your home.

Often, a homeowner needs to cut a tree's limbs back from a sidewalk. Making the cuts correctly will achieve the goal AND make the tree attractive.

      

These two examples are front and center in yards. The tree on the left shows fresh cuts that stress the tree and create ugliness. These cuts open the way to decay and insects. On the right, this chopped off limb juts out over a fence, creating an eyesore in what is otherwise an attractive tree. Cut off that stump!