CH Pruning and Plant Training

Question 1

What is the correct location to make a pruning cut when removing a branch from a tree?

Accepted Answer

Just outside the branch collar

Answer

Flush with the trunk

Answer

Several inches beyond the collar

Answer

At the branch union midpoint

Question 2

Which pruning cut removes a branch back to a lateral branch or bud, encouraging outward growth?

Accepted Answer

Thinning cut

Answer

Heading cut

Answer

Deadheading cut

Answer

Pollarding cut

Question 3

Topping a tree (indiscriminate cutting of main branches) is considered harmful primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Creates large wounds that decay and stimulates vigorous watersprouts

Answer

Reduces tree height permanently

Answer

Eliminates all flower buds

Answer

Prevents fruit production for one season

Question 4

The best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac (Syringa spp.) in the US is:

Accepted Answer

Immediately after flowering

Answer

Late winter before bloom

Answer

Mid-summer

Answer

Late fall

Question 5

What is 'deadheading' in ornamental horticulture?

Accepted Answer

Removing spent flowers to promote reblooming

Answer

Removing dead wood from trees

Answer

Cutting roots to restrict growth

Answer

Removing basal suckers

Question 6

Espalier is a plant training technique that involves:

Accepted Answer

Training plants flat against a wall or fence in a two-dimensional pattern

Answer

Growing plants on trellises in three-dimensional forms

Answer

Pruning to create a spherical canopy

Answer

Removing lower branches to expose the trunk