The simplified drawings below illustrate the different goals of pruning cuts. These illustrations are done on a duplicate branch, the lighter areas are the removed parts. While as a general rule not more than 20% should be removed, a tree's response (resulting growth pattern) differs between species. Some species allow for more lattitude than others.
Topping is NEVER done.
- Causes rapid regrowth on the ends where the heading cuts were made
- Will likely cause decay in the stem/branch
- Tissues in branch are "starved" - no leaves for food
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Pruning cuts - to eliminate included bark branches.
- Remove dead branches
- Remove weak attached branches
- Rubbing branches
- Needs to be done without creating large gaps in the canopy
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Reduction cut
- Reduces the overall size of the tree or branch
- Can be the most time consuming operation
- Should be limited to not more than 20% of crown removed
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Shaping cut
- Has minimal impact on overal size
- Meant to make a tree have a more even appearance
- Can be time consuming, especially on trees with dense branching
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Thinning cut
- Done to improve light transmission
- Done to "lessen wind resistance"
- Will remain effective for about 2-3 years
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Clearance cut
- Generally recommend that clearance be done on what will be a 3-5 year cycle
- Generally trees grow on average 6-8" per year
- Only need to clear a structure 4 feet to obtain clearance for 3-5 years
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