Pruning and Training - Growing Organic Orchard Fruits - page 575

ABOVE: Bench cut
Where Should You Make Pruning Cuts?
Diseased and damaged wood can, and should, be removed whenever you find
it, regardless of the time of year. Where diseased wood is present, wait for dry
weather to make the cuts and disinfect your pruner and saw blades between
cuts with a 70 percent alcohol solution or a solution containing 9 parts water
and 1 part household bleach. Thinning cuts are usually best for these situ-
ations.
When removing branches at the trunk, cut outside of the bark swelling
or collar at the base of the branch ( figure 12.2 ➔ ) . Flush cuts callus over
more slowly than those where the collar is left, and they leave the tree open
to infection by wood rot organisms and cankers. Do not apply tree wound