When pruning large branches, what technique helps avoid tearing the bark?

When pruning large branches, what technique helps avoid tearing the bark?

• A. Make three cuts to avoid tearing the bark
• B. Remove in one cut
• C. Cut only from the top
• D. Use blunt saw

Answer: (A)

When pruning large branches, controlling how the cut is made prevents the bark from tearing as the limb is removed. The three-cut method does this by carefully releasing tension in stages rather than letting the branch snap off all at once. First, make a small notch on the underside a short distance from the trunk. This undercut stops the bark from tearing downward as the branch splits and bears weight. Next, make a second cut from the top farther out to remove most of the branch’s weight, so when the branch is finally cut, it can fall away cleanly without catching and tearing bark. Finally, cut just outside the branch collar to remove the remaining stub, leaving a clean wound that heals well. Other approaches—removing in one cut, cutting only from the top, or using a blunt saw—increase the chance of tearing, ragged edges, or damaged tissue, which can lead to longer healing times and greater risk of disease.

When pruning large branches, controlling how the cut is made prevents the bark from tearing as the limb is removed. The three-cut method does this by carefully releasing tension in stages rather than letting the branch snap off all at once.

First, make a small notch on the underside a short distance from the trunk. This undercut stops the bark from tearing downward as the branch splits and bears weight. Next, make a second cut from the top farther out to remove most of the branch’s weight, so when the branch is finally cut, it can fall away cleanly without catching and tearing bark. Finally, cut just outside the branch collar to remove the remaining stub, leaving a clean wound that heals well.

Other approaches—removing in one cut, cutting only from the top, or using a blunt saw—increase the chance of tearing, ragged edges, or damaged tissue, which can lead to longer healing times and greater risk of disease.