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Flush Cuts - Improper Tree Trimming Techniques

3/14/2021

12 Comments

 
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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.

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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.
12 Comments
Massachusetts link
4/4/2021 09:55:54 pm

Phenomenal work! Keep it up!

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

I really enjoyed reading this article!

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service

Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
402-408-5600
info@arboraesthetics.com
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