Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.24
This is what happens when you don't
undercut a large branch.
scar, with a large area open to disease. Always
undercut the branch before removing it
completely (see Figure 3.24).
The best place to cut
Once the bulk of the branch has been
removed, the pruner can turn their attention
to where to make their major final cut.
All large woody plants have a branch collar or
ridge that is made up of a mass of cells that will
spring into action to overgrow and protect the
wound. This collar or ridge must not be
damaged and can be most effective in its
healing role when the cut is placed just beyond
it. It is usually the most convenient place to cut
for hand-pruning as this is the place on the
branch where it narrows away from the trunk.
Notching(semi-cincturing)andscoring
This style of pruning is more akin to
wounding rather than actually removing
plant parts. Wounding produces growth in
Figure 3.25
A range of branch collar ridges indicating
where to cut. Choose the point where the top of the
branch dips before it meets the branch collar. This point
will vary slightly in every species of plant.
