Question
Dear Jim,
We have a beautiful Coast Redwood that burned in the firestorm in San Diego
last month. It was probably planted in 1975. It is too close to our house, but I
still want to try to save it. A tree trimmer suggested that we should cut the
branches back a bit and "lace it out". I have been told this is the most
valuable tree on my property and it also provides very needed privacy from
the neighbor. Nearly all but the top of the tree burned. There is a large scorch
mark at the base going up 12 feet or so. The very top is still green. What is
your advice?  Thanks!!!!

Answer
I do not know the term "lace it out". I think I would do nothing right now but wait until late spring and see what does leave out. Some of the scorched branches may still leave out and you do not want to prune a live branch. This spring after leave out you can prune the dead branches. Not really anything that can be done for the scorch on the trunk. If the tree lives it will heal over these areas with time.