The tortured red maple (Acer rubrum) shown above is a prime example of misplacement of a tree at the point of planting.  The power lines running through the middle of this trees crown were in place prior to the planting of tree.  It was pure destiny that this tree would have to be perpetually disfigured.  A maintenance problem for the power company was created the day the tree was planted.  I can show you trees planted in our town directly under power lines within the last two years.  Why...all one has to do is look to the sky to identify the problem.  While it is nice to have street trees, you just simply should not plant them under a power line.

    The process of cutting back main branches is called "pollarding".  This is the same as "topping" a tree.  If you need corrective tree work done, ask your potential tree surgeon if they "top" trees.  If they gleefully say "yes" with no further explanation, you need to find a different tree person with proper training.  The topping or pollarding of trees usually produces nothing but nonproductive water sprouts.  The wound is unable to heal because the cut was not made at a growth collar, therefore the cambium (or growth) layer of the tree cannot heal over the cut.  Ultimately the limb will begin to decay from the tip back, eventually entering into the main trunk of the tree.  Another words, topping can be a slow death sentence for trees.

    In addition to the disfigurement which is guaranteed by power lines, think of the time and effort that is consumed by utility workers.  This is unnecessary exposure to high voltage lines for the worker.  If the trimmer is not trained, the tree suffers even more.  I really can't think of any reason to plant a tree under a power line.  My column is short and sweet this week, written with clear conviction.

    I will do a column at some point telling you of the Master Gardener tree survey (inventory) we did for a major street in Fredericksburg in the mid 1990's.  We are trying to get this project going again, as it is good to know what's happening with your trees.

UPDATE:  In the April 20th article I discussed "Grafting...Perpetuating Nature's Miracles."  A picture of a root stock of what was once a "Mr. Lincoln Hybrid Tea Rose" was posted.   I promised to post the root stock in full bloom.  You may view the picture at: Vol. 2 #116