When pruning tree branches, make proper cuts to ensure the tree’s health and minimize the risk of damage or disease. The distance from the main trunk or parent branch at which you should make your cuts depends on the type of cut and the size of the branch.

Here are some guidelines for making cuts at the correct distance from the branch collar…

1. Branch Collar – The branch collar is the slightly raised, swollen area where a branch attaches to the main trunk or parent branch. It contains specialized tissues that help the tree heal after pruning.
2. Branch Bark Ridge – Some trees have a ridge of bark where the branch meets the trunk. The branch bark ridge is often more pronounced on certain tree species.

When making cuts, follow these guidelines…

• For Small Branches (Less Than 1 Inch in Diameter) – Make your cut just outside the branch collar. The cut should be at a slight angle, sloping away from the trunk or parent branch. Avoid cutting into the branch collar, but do not leave a stub.
• For Larger Branches (Over 1 Inch in Diameter) – Use a three-cut method to prevent the branch from tearing the bark as it falls:
  1. Make an undercut on the underside of the branch, about 6-12 inches away from the trunk or parent branch. This cut prevents bark from peeling downward when the branch falls.
  2. Make a top cut slightly further out from the undercut, removing the branch. This cut should be just outside the branch collar and parallel to the angle of the collar.
  3. After removing the branch, make a final clean-up cut to smooth out the remaining stub without cutting into the branch collar.
• For Dead or Diseased Branches – When removing dead or diseased branches, cut just outside the branch collar, as you would for live branches. Proper removal helps prevent the spread of disease to the trunk or parent branch.

Proper pruning cuts encourage the tree to form a protective callus and seal the wound effectively. Leaving stubs or cutting too close to the trunk can hinder proper wound healing and create entry points for pests and diseases. Using the right tools and techniques and making cuts at the correct distance from the branch collar is essential for the health and longevity of the tree.