If it's no problem like it is I would leave it like it is. The rooting of the lower branches strengthens the tree. Cutting them would weaken it.

I would love to see a picture of a tree like that.

I agree with thisisme. Pictures of the tree would be great to see. :)

noss

The older the layered limb, the riskier the move.
I would remove every other limb, if you think the main tree needs the room.
Is your tree a Brown Turkey?

I think it is a brown turkey not sure. It was planted by the original owner before Dad bought the house in 1979, it was pretty big then. It is taking over two crab apple trees next to it, it ate the fence years ago. I'm going to take down the crab apple trees they are ugly and useless, except for using the wood in my smoker! I'll try to post a picture tomorrow.

Hope it works!

[IMG]http://i51.tinypic.com/98wz1x.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i51.tinypic.com/ibyxjm.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i55.tinypic.com/ay3ksz.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i55.tinypic.com/9teiqu.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i52.tinypic.com/v8l9jd.jpg[/IMG]

Hmm didn't seem to work.Maybe this will work?

http://i52.tinypic.com/v8l9jd.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/9teiqu.jpg

What am I doing wrong?????

OK I think I got it.....

It worked! :) It looks more like a fig patch--A one tree fig patch. I wouldn't know where to begin talking about whether you should prune it, or leave it alone.

Are those dead branches under the tree, or are they the limbs that have rooted themselves?

Do you feed the tree? If so, with what do you feed it?

I got a kick at how you said it, "ate the fence years ago." It looks like you have a "creeping" fig tree.

noss

They are limbs that have rooted themselves. It has never been fed anything. It may be getting some nutrients from the septic drain field it is about 20' away.