Removing embedded wire off non bonsai tree

[Just Rosie]

Hello all,

Basically, last year, I decided to wire my 2 pear trees (bartlett and D'Anjou if it matters) as well as an arborvitae. I waited too long and now the wire is embedded. Even with my bonsai wire cutters, I will not be able to remove the wire without doing some moderate damage to the branches.

My question is: would it hurt the branches to leave the wire? If I just didn't remove the wire, would the bark grow over it fully? Or would this eventually strangulate the branch? If possible, I would like to leave the wire at this point to avoid a ton of open wounds. But if y'all think it will kill the branches, then I will remove all of it.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[Ininaatigoons]

Should grow over it, but will always be noticeable especially close up.

 

[Mikecheck123]

I will not be able to remove the wire without doing some moderate damage to the branches.

From just one year?

 

[Relic37]

Picture(s) would speak volumes...

 

[Shibui]

Not sure why one would decide to wire a full sized tree but that's now been done.
Survival depends on a number of factors.
Spiral wire does not completely cut off circulation so sap flow just adjusts and runs along the spirals until the bark grows right overt the wire and restores natural flow. May leave some visual evidence but rarely kills the trunk or branch. May weaken the trunk/branch making it susceptible to breaking in wind, etc.
Ties right round a trunk or branch can completely block sap flow so more likely to kill the section above the tie. Some fast growing species may grow fast enough to unite over the wire before the top section dies. Again, structural weakness in the affected section.

Basically, if sap flow can continue up the trunk/ branch embedded wire will not usually cause problems except maybe for some structural weakness for a few years until sufficient new wood grows over the wire. I have seen many old trees with fence wires, old electric or phone wires right through the trunks. We also know that allowing wires to become swallowed by developing pines is deliberately used by some growers. I also have some shohin sized trident maples with embedded wires now. Time will tell whether that's going to look good or not in years to come.

 

[Flowerhouse]

Not sure why one would decide to wire a full sized tree but that's now been done.

I've done it. When one of my young aspens was topped by deer, I wired up the longest remaining branch to be the new leader and put a protective wire cage around the tree. I removed the wire as soon as the branch was set in it's new position, about a week. The tree has grown well and is as tall as the others I planted at the same time.