26 SPRING 2015 n ARBOR AGE www.arborage.com
TRAINING & EDUCATION
is likely to experience and "project" where limbs or branches may
be in the future to remove possible problems ahead of time, along
with developing co-dominants and narrow attachment points.
CUTTING, NOT TEARING
The most common pruning cut in which a saw is being used is
typically a three-step process. First, an undercut is made into the
bottom of the branch to prevent the falling branch from tearing
bark into the branch collar. Second, a cut is made into the upper
side of the branch several inches out away from the trunk from
the fi rst or undercut. This severs the branch, allowing it to fall free
from the tree without any tearing, and leaving a ledge like stub that
is then severed with the third cut at the edge of the branch collar,
ending the pruning 3-step process. While this technique works
very well with hand saws, users should keep in mind that it can
be problematic when cutting larger limbs with chain saws — often
causing the chain to be caught in the kerf of the second cut and
pulling the chain saw with the falling branch. A better option when
using the 3-step process with a chain saw is to carry out the second
or over cut almost directly over the fi rst or undercut. This will
prevent the chain getting caught in the kerf.
WOUND DRESSING
Despite all that time tree folk have spent with a pot and brush
"dressin' up those shiners," evidence and research has shown that
wound dressing is unnecessary and ineffective, with the possible
exception of open pruning wounds at a time of year when a
pathogen, such as oak wilt, might be present. An even better option
would be to avoid pruning at that time of year and avoid the use of
wound dressing altogether.
A well pruned tree is often one that looks as if little or nothing
has been removed from it; and that should be the goal of aspiring
Jedi pruning masters. Yet, in many cases, whether it be for the health
of a tree that has not been maintained or because of human pruning
needs, pruning that is more noticeable will be required. This basic
discussion of the tools, methods, and techniques of pruning will
help tree crews make sure that the pruning of their woody friends is
done in the kindest, and healthiest, manner possible.
Michael "House" Tain is a contract climber, splicer, educator and
writer associated with North American Training Solutions www.
northamericantrainingsolutions.com and Arbor Canada Training
and Education www.arborcanada.com. He is currently
located in Lancaster, Ky., and can be reached via e-mail at
house@houseoftain.com.
A bark-free illustration of the underlying wood interaction between a
branch and the trunk.
Another example of the branch collar-pruning cut interaction.
A basic guideline is that no more than
25 percent of a tree's living canopy should
be removed at any one time.
