THREE-CUT METHOD By preventing unnecessary damage, the three-cut technique contributes to the tree’s overall vitality and longevity. It involves three sequential steps: First, an undercut is made on the branch, a short distance out from the branch collar. This helps to prevent tearing and damage to the bark. Second, a top cut is made slightly out- side of the undercut to remove the bulk of the branch. Lastly, the remaining stub is removed with a clean cut just outside the branch collar. This aids in proper wound clo- sure and minimizes the risk of disease or decay. LION'S TAILING ALTERNATIVE Since lion’s tailing is such a damaging practice, Dr. Gilman suggests employ- ing what he calls “structural pruning” instead. Structural pruning spreads the pruning load over the height of the tree instead of simply removing only large diameter low branches.
The three-cut method prevents bark being torn on the trunk should a branch fall while pruning.
Once those heading cuts are made, however, they must be managed mov- ing forward to restore the tree to its original structure, Buell adds. This can include things like thinning and selectively removing the sprouts that emerge over time in order to restore the canopy to a natural condition. THE BOTTOM LINE Pruning is an essential skill for tree care professionals, but it must be exe- cuted with care and precision. Proper training and developing spec- ifications that are aligned with ANSI standards are crucial for ensuring that pruning is done properly and safely. Avoiding the cardinal sins of tree prun- ing and following correct techniques will not only ensure the health and longevity of the trees under your care, but also contribute to the overall well-being of our urban forests.
“Take some of that dose of pruning and apply it to the upright and ends of the main branches,” he says. “So, you’re getting your clearance by taking some low secondary branches off, but you’re also going up on the upright portion of the primaries and cutting them back using reduction cuts.” PROPER HEADING CUTS There are certain situations where heading cuts may be necessary, ac- cording to Buell, particularly when it comes to unavoidable situations like ice storms and extreme weather events. If a good portion of a tree’s scaffold branches have broken, for example, consider making heading cuts. “Heading is an appropriate method of pruning, whereas topping is not,” he says. “There are times where heading cuts are very appropriate if they’re going to be managed and it’s to meet an appropriate objective.”
Pruning is an essential skill for tree care professionals, but it must be executed with care and precision.
Not using the three-cut technique can lead to tearing and damage to the bark.
34 | ArborTIMES Winter 2024
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