Pruning Cuts

Question 1

Reduction Cut

Answer 1

reduces the length of a stem or branch by removing the terminal portion back to a branch or lateral of equal or smaller diameter; branch must be large enough to assume apical dominance (min 1/3)

Question 2

Heading Cut

Answer 2

cuts a branch or stem between nodes; or if you make a reduction cut to a lateral that is too small / cut back to a bud (AKA topping, pinching, shearing)

Question 3

Removal Cuts

Answer 3

removes a branch back to its parent stem or trunk, the part that remains has a larger diameter than the part that was removed

Question 4

Weak Branch Union Shape

Answer 4

V

Question 5

Strong Branch Union Shape

Answer 5

U

Question 6

Drop Cut

Answer 6

for branches over 1” in diameter; first cut on the underside to a depth of about 1/3, second cut through the branch at a point 1-2” beyond the first, final cut made outside the branch bark ridge and the branch collar - can make the second cut directly above the first

Question 7

Frost Cracks

Answer 7

result often from flush cuts and wounds

Question 8

Sunscald

Answer 8

caused by a warming of the trunk in winter followed by a quick freezing; can also happen in summer when sun shines directly on thin bark

Question 9

Terminal Bud Cluster Pruning

Answer 9

used on young nursery trees; all buds except the largest (terminal) bud are removed from the end section of the dormant twig - prevents formation of undesirable multiple leaders and clustered branches

Question 10

Pruning Dose

Answer 10

the choice between shortening or removal of competing stems, dependent on customer expectations

Question 11

Managing Low Branches

Answer 11

remove tips to reduce weight and raise; suppress by removing upper and lower portion while leaving the middle intact

Question 12

Cleaning

Answer 12

removing dead, dying, diseased, damaged, rubbing, broken and out of place branches - sometimes water sprouts too

Question 13

Pruning Types on Established Trees

Answer 13

cleaning, thinning, reducing, raising and balancing - vista pruning for views

Question 14

Thinning

Answer 14

removes lateral and parallel branches, especially from end portions of limbs - generally allows wind to pass through more easily

Question 15

Raising

Answer 15

removing lower branches for clearance / visibility

Question 16

Balancing

Answer 16

creating a more stable, safer and better looking canopy; utilizes multiple types of pruning cuts