Pruning and Plant Training Flashcards

Which type of pruning saw is most appropriate for removing branches 1–3 inches in diameter in tight spaces?

Answer: Curved blade folding pruning saw

A curved-blade folding pruning saw cuts on the pull stroke, fits into confined canopy spaces, and is sized for branches up to about 3 inches.

Lion-tailing, an improper pruning practice, refers to:

Answer: Over-thinning interior branches so foliage only remains at branch tips

Lion-tailing strips interior foliage leaving tufts only at branch ends, which reduces photosynthetic area, increases wind-sail leverage, and leads to branch failure.

For roses, what is the correct pruning angle and direction to promote healthy new cane growth?

Answer: 45-degree angle cut sloping away from an outward-facing bud

A 45-degree angled cut sloping away from an outward-facing bud sheds water away from the bud eye and directs new cane growth outward for an open, vase-shaped habit.

Pleaching is a tree-training technique that results in:

Answer: Interwoven branches forming a hedge on stilts or overhead canopy

Pleaching weaves or ties together branches of adjacent trees to form a living fence, overhead canopy, or 'hedge on legs' for formal garden structures.

Which ANSI standard provides guidelines for tree pruning practices used by professional arborists and horticulturists in the US?

Answer: ANSI A300

ANSI A300 is the industry standard for tree care operations, including pruning specifications, while ANSI Z133 covers safety requirements for arboricultural operations.

Renewal pruning of overgrown deciduous shrubs typically involves removing approximately how much of the oldest canes each year over several years?

Answer: One-third of the oldest canes annually

The one-third renewal method gradually replaces old, unproductive canes with vigorous new growth over three years without shocking the plant.