Don't worry so much about the ivy high up in the tree. But do take the rest of it off, carefully, so you don't rip off the bark. The biggest problem is that it creates pockets of moisture that lead to rot and disease. If you accidentally creat pockets of ripped off bark that open the tree up to the lower layers, use the recipe for tree trunk goop to close them up until they heal.
Dead limbs cause more of a problem hurting people or damaging property as they fall than causing disease to the tree in most cases.
If you do choose to trim, do it carefully and follow Howard's recommendations. NEVER cut flush to the trunk, but leave several inches of a stump. Douse the cut with hydrogen peroxide if you are doing it now since it's gotten hot.
Hope that helps!
Kathe
|