Question
Hi Jim,
I'm having some very necessary work done on backyard trees;
mostly eliminating dead branches that are either a hazard or
could potentially damage the tree in time. These are large sweet
gum, maple and oaks (in New Jersey). I've found what seem to be
2 good, knowledgable and cost effective services (their prices
are comperable for the work to be done). One will use spikes to
climb the trees, the other pullies himself up.

Are spikes detremental to large, established trees (60 feet +)?
Both services seem to know their business well and I've watched
both of them work in neighbors yards. Does this really make a
difference at all?

Yes, anything removed will be replaced (I always put in more
trees than have to be taken down). One tree is dead, another
was planted much too close to the house by previous owners,
the third has far too many dead branches and could, eventually,
fall toward the house.

Thanks,
Rich Wolfert
[email protected]

Answer
By all means Do NOT use spikes. The spikes will damage the bark and allow fungi to enter causing serious damage later. The thinner bark Maple will be very prone to this type of danage. Either use the "pull up" method or a bucket truck to reach the upper limbs.