decaying the trunk is probably the biggest deal.” Removing large branches can some- times be unavoidable, however, since they oen become hazardous or are simply in the way. That’s when proper cuts are crucial to protect the health of the tree. Improperly removing a large diameter branch can cause extensive damage to the tree. This is particularly true if the cut is made in a way that causes the branch to break at an unintended point and tear the tree’s bark in the process. THE RIGHT CUTS Proper pruning techniques are the cornerstone of tree care. Every tree care professional should be famil- iar with the essential practices and methods in ANSI’s A300 document. It should especially be a top priority for arborists.
Stub cuts made outside of the branch collar creates the potential for decay due to exposed heartwood.
“They’re standards for developing spec- ifications for performing tree work,” Buell says. “Pruning is part of that, and developing good specifications that can both be understood by a consumer and executed by a crew is probably the most important thing any tree care pro- fessional could do.”
To promote the growth and health of trees while preserving their natural beauty and structural integrity, here are the cuts and techniques that ele- vate tree pruning to an art form.
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