CATS Arborist Albuquerque Pruning & Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'branch bark ridge' and why is it important for pruning cuts in Albuquerque trees?
- A discolored area indicating disease; cuts should be made through it
- A raised, rough area of bark at the branch union; cuts should be made just outside it to preserve the branch collar (Correct answer)
- A zone of callus tissue; cuts should be made into it to stimulate healing
- A structural defect in the wood; branches with it should be removed immediately
Correct answer: A raised, rough area of bark at the branch union; cuts should be made just outside it to preserve the branch collar
The branch bark ridge is the raised bark at the union of a branch and trunk; proper pruning cuts are made just outside this ridge and the branch collar to allow the tree to compartmentalize the wound effectively.
Question 2: For a mature Siberian elm in Albuquerque, what percentage of live crown should generally NOT be removed in a single pruning session?
- More than 10%
- More than 25% (Correct answer)
- More than 50%
- More than 75%
Correct answer: More than 25%
ISA Best Management Practices recommend removing no more than 25% of a tree's live crown in a single pruning session to avoid excessive stress and epicormic sprouting.
Question 3: Which tree species is considered invasive in Albuquerque's riparian zones and should be identified for removal rather than pruning?
- Velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina)
- Tamarisk/saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) (Correct answer)
- New Mexico olive (Forestiera pubescens)
- Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Correct answer: Tamarisk/saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima)
Tamarisk (saltcedar) is a highly invasive species in Albuquerque's Rio Grande riparian corridor that outcompetes native vegetation and should be removed, not maintained.
Question 4: What is 'included bark' and why does it create a structural hazard in Albuquerque urban trees?
- Bark embedded between two co-dominant stems, indicating a weak union prone to failure (Correct answer)
- Bark that grows inward after improper pruning cuts, blocking the vascular system
- Bark discoloration from fungal infection that weakens wood fibers
- A protective layer of bark that develops after wounding to seal decay
Correct answer: Bark embedded between two co-dominant stems, indicating a weak union prone to failure
Included bark forms when two co-dominant stems grow at narrow angles, embedding bark between them and creating a weak union that is prone to splitting under wind or ice load.
Question 5: In Albuquerque, deep watering for established trees should penetrate to what approximate depth to reach the primary feeder root zone?
- 6–12 inches
- 18–36 inches (Correct answer)
- 48–60 inches
- 72–84 inches
Correct answer: 18–36 inches
Most tree feeder roots are concentrated in the top 18–36 inches of soil, so irrigation should penetrate to this depth to be effective for established trees.
Question 6: Which pruning technique involves shortening a branch back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the cut branch?
- Crown lifting
- Reduction pruning (Correct answer)
- Deadwooding
- Vista pruning
Correct answer: Reduction pruning
Reduction pruning shortens branches back to a lateral that is large enough (at least one-third the diameter) to take over as the new leader, maintaining branch function without leaving stubs.
Question 7: What is the recommended minimum distance from the trunk to begin mulching to avoid 'volcano mulching' damage to Albuquerque trees?
- Right at the trunk base for maximum moisture retention
- 2–3 inches away from the trunk flare (Correct answer)
- 12–18 inches away from the trunk
- At the drip line only
Correct answer: 2–3 inches away from the trunk flare
Mulch should be kept 2–3 inches away from the trunk flare to prevent moisture accumulation against the bark, which leads to rot, disease, and pest infestation.
CATS Arborist Albuquerque Pruning & Care 3
What is the 'branch bark ridge' and why is it important for pruning cuts in Albuquerque trees?