Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service - Professional Tree Trimming & Tree Removal - Omaha, NE
  • Residential Services
  • Free Proposal Request
  • Commercial Services
  • Our People
  • Careers
    • Employment Application
  • Customer Portal
  • Gift of Beautiful Trees
  • Blog

Flush Cuts - Improper Tree Trimming Techniques

3/14/2021

37 Comments

 
Picture
Tree trimming is an essential component of tree care in an urban setting. Limbs need to be removed over streets and sidewalks, away from roofs and gutters, or even in the yard if the homeowner needs to be able to walk under the tree. Removing these limbs may seem straightforward, and one might be tempted to remove them in such a way that it appears the limb never existed, by way of cutting it completely flush with the trunk. This is what we call a "flush cut" and it is an improper pruning technique that can cause serious harm to your tree. 

Trees have a response to wounding, coined "Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees" or "CODIT." A tree "walls" off decay in four layers of bark tissue, preventing decay from moving vertically, radially and tangentially. When a wound occurs naturally, the tree gets to work using its own defense mechanism to keep decay-causing fungi from spreading. When a wound occurs during routine tree pruning (yes - it's a still a wound!), a trained arborist can take steps to ensure the tree is given its best shot at using its CODIT system.

​Maintaining the branch collar is critical in tree pruning and allows the tree to form a proper callus around the wound. The illustration to the right shows a clear swelling of tissue at the branch collar as the tree is preparing to shed a dead limb naturally. Trees know what they're doing! When we prune live limbs, we can use this as a model for where to make our cut - by not cutting into the branch collar. The branch bark ridge is not always obvious, and when it is not easy to identify the collar, we consider it best practice to come away from the trunk slightly. It would be better to leave more of a stub than it would be to cut into the branch collar. 

In general (and certainly not in all cases), a proper pruning cut will result in a circular wound or as close to a circle as possible. In the photos, you can see the elliptical shape of the cut where the flush cut was made parallel to the trunk, but not perpendicular to the branch, resulting in a vertical ellipse where we can see the branch collar was removed. 

If you are unsure where you make a proper pruning cut, it's best to consult a certified arborist. You can read more about DIY Pruning in a previous blog post.

Picture
Picture
Picture

SOURCES
  • Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees, Bartlett Tree Experts
    https://www.bartlett.com/resources/compartmentalization-of-decay-in-trees.pdf
  • University of Iowa Extension & Outreach
    https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/when-pruning-trees-it-desirable-make-flush-cuts#:~:text=Flush%20cuts%20are%20pruning%20cuts,collar%20and%20branch%20bark%20ridge.
37 Comments
Massachusetts link
4/4/2021 09:55:54 pm

Phenomenal work! Keep it up!

Reply
CA link
4/18/2021 09:34:04 pm

I really enjoyed reading this article!

Reply
Our site link
6/8/2021 09:24:25 pm

This is really helpful. Some trimming are not properly done, resulting to the branches and leaves not growing well.

Reply
Nico Avila link
7/14/2021 10:38:52 am

Safety pruning could improve the health and aesthetic value of trees and it really saves us much time and money from possible damage or expensive removal services in the future. It would probably be safer for us to hire a professional who offers tree services revere ma. Tom, my friend is a professional arborist in revere ma area with more than three years of experience in the industry, if you need setting up an appointment, call us at (339) 333-8534

Reply
Simon Wilson link
7/14/2021 11:01:25 am

I agree that it’s important to get rid of the dead limbs and maintaining the branch collar is critical in tree pruning and allowing the tree to form a proper callus around the wound. It’s nice because ensuring a proper pruning cut will speed the sealing process of the tree. It would be kind of fun an excited to work with a tree care provider regarding this issue

Reply
Kent Tree Removal and Trimming Service link
9/14/2021 06:37:33 am

Great article! Flush cuts are pruning cuts made as close as possible to the trunk or main branch. They destroy the tree's natural defense mechanisms that promote wound compartmentalization and callus formation. Rather than pruning the trees on your own, hire a <a href = "https://www.easthilltree.com">tree removal company</a> to avoid damages on your trees. They know the best and correct ways to prune your trees.

Reply
Tree Removal Company in Asheville link
12/8/2021 07:57:05 pm

Just wanted to say that I read your blog quite frequently and I’m always amazed at some of the stuff people post here

Reply
Jeff Carbine link
12/29/2021 05:25:13 am

I never knew that limbs need to be removed over streets and sidewalks, away from roofs and gutters, or even in the yard if the homeowner needs to be able to walk under the tree. Having the trees trimmed would be more safety. Thank you for the information about tree trimming.

Reply
Afton Jackson link
12/29/2021 08:29:52 pm

Thank you so much for providing me with a great guide on why you can't just cut any branch you like when tree trimming. I had just assumed that you can cut these off willy nilly, but this sounds a lot more complicated than I thought. I'll have a tree service expert help me out with this so we can make sure it gets done correctly.

Reply
Tree Removal Columbia link
1/4/2022 09:58:12 pm

I know what to do, thank you! Actually this Blog post helped me a lot. I hope you continue writing about this kind of entry.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
1/10/2022 08:23:54 pm

Thanks for pointing out that tree trimming is an important component of tree care in an urban setting. My husband and I want to improve our property before our parents come to visit in March. We are hoping to find experts on Monday who can provide tree care by trimming the tall trees in our backyard within three days.

Reply
John Carston link
1/12/2022 05:56:44 pm

It helped when you mentioned that pruning can break a tree. My uncle mentioned to me last night that their tree has broken branches and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that he should consult trusted tree pruning services as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide good-quality service.

Reply
Max Jones link
6/28/2022 03:35:21 pm

Thanks for the info about tree pruning. My home has a tree that needs to be pruned. I'll look for a tree pruning service.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
7/14/2022 09:12:46 pm

I was captured when you discussed that inappropriate pruning procedures can cause severe harm to your tree. My father wants to trim some of our trees since they are damaging the gutter. I should advise him to let an expert in tree branch trimming do the job to ensure it won't harm the trees.

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
8/2/2022 12:17:18 pm

Thanks for mentioning that pruning should always result in a circular cut. I'm hoping that I can get my cherry tree pruned this week. It's getting a little out of hand, so I want to hire a professional to take care of it.

Reply
Braden Bills link
8/10/2022 09:08:49 am

My trees have been having issues, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a tree specialist to help me out with this. They would be able to ensure that the right branches are cut.

Reply
Sherwin Alvarez link
9/3/2022 02:51:23 am

Nice! This will be a great addition to my knowledge about tree services.

Reply
Iris Alban link
9/3/2022 04:44:56 am

Nice! This will be a great addition to my knowledge about planting trees.

Reply
Brandy link
9/3/2022 07:46:42 am

This is going to be helpful to me so that I can avoid the mistakes and do the right things of planting.

Reply
Gary link
9/3/2022 07:54:32 am

This is a great website! Now, I know these information and will definitely save this for future reference for people about strategies of taking care of trees.

Reply
Nicka link
9/3/2022 09:09:07 am

This is a great website! Now, I know these information and will definitely save this for future reference for people about planting.

Reply
Jonathan link
9/3/2022 10:50:25 am

Nice! This will be a great addition to my knowledge about planting.

Reply
Anica link
9/5/2022 06:28:55 am

Great article! Definitely going to save site for my future endeavors into tree services.

Reply
Mathis link
9/5/2022 07:09:24 am

Great planting advice! It's going to be very helpful to everyone that needs assistance with it.

Reply
Norma link
9/5/2022 08:28:42 am

This is going to be helpful to me so that I can avoid the mistakes and do the right things of the tree services.

Reply
Ernesto link
9/5/2022 08:31:23 am

This is a great website! Now, I know these information and will definitely save this for the people about tree services.

Reply
Vhong link
9/10/2022 01:59:48 am

Great article! This will be great for the people so that they'll know the do's and don'ts of tree planting.

Reply
Joseph link
9/10/2022 08:54:18 am

Nice blog! I hope everyone that has plants and trees to read this and be able to understand the mistakes of tree trimming.

Reply
Mildred link
9/13/2022 07:11:04 am

Thank you so much for providing me with a great guide on why you can't just cut any branch you like when tree trimming.

Reply
Joe link
9/13/2022 07:36:08 am

Tree trimming is an essential component of tree care in an urban setting. Limbs need to be removed over streets and sidewalks, away from roofs and gutters, or even in the yard if the homeowner needs to be able to walk under the tree.

Reply
Malcolm link
9/13/2022 07:50:06 am

We consider it best practice to come away from the trunk slightly. It would be better to leave more of a stub than it would be to cut into the branch collar. That's all we do here at my tree service business.

Reply
Bboy link
9/13/2022 08:04:30 am

The illustration to the right shows a clear swelling of tissue at the branch collar as the tree is preparing to shed a dead limb naturally.

Reply
Pembrock link
9/13/2022 12:56:55 pm

Pruning is an essential component of tree care in an urban setting

Reply
Johnson link
9/14/2022 08:41:00 am

If you are unsure where you make a proper pruning cut, it's best to consult a certified arborist.

Reply
Iris Smith link
10/19/2022 02:26:17 am

Thank you for pointing out that keeping the branch collar in place is essential when trimming trees because it enables the tree to develop a good callus around the wound. My mother wants to have a tree that is close to an electric wire removed. I'll advise my mother to hire a tree removal expert to help her get rid of the tree safely.

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
12/7/2022 05:09:07 pm

Thanks so much for talking in detail about how tree trimming works and why it's important to do. My sister has a few trees in her yard and she's not sure if they need to be removed or just trimmed. She's been looking into finding a professional to help her make the decision and carry it out.

Reply
Lauren Rogers link
12/13/2022 12:39:03 am

Thanks for sharing such a great information about <a href="https://www.daytonohdumpsterrental.com/"> dumpster rental </a>. It really helpful to me..I always search to read the quality content and finally i found this in you post. keep it up!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Amy Grewe, Certified Arborist & Co-Owner 

    Categories

    All
    Community Involvement
    Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
    Our Company
    Our Work
    Pests & Disease
    Tree Care
    Tree Planting

    Archives

    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    February 2022
    October 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    August 2014


    Follow this blog
Picture
Member TCIA
Picture
Picture
Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service

Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
402-408-5600
info@arboraesthetics.com
  • Residential Services
  • Free Proposal Request
  • Commercial Services
  • Our People
  • Careers
    • Employment Application
  • Customer Portal
  • Gift of Beautiful Trees
  • Blog