Proper Pruning Practices Flashcards
6 cards from real ISA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Proper Pruning Practices flashcards as text
What is the recommended maximum percentage of live crown that should be removed in a single pruning session for a mature tree?
Answer: 25%
The general guideline is to remove no more than 25% of the live crown in a single pruning session for mature trees. Removing more can stress the tree and trigger excessive epicormic sprouting.
What is a 'reduction cut' in arboricultural pruning?
Answer: Shortening a branch by cutting back to a lateral branch at least one-third the diameter of the removed portion
A reduction cut shortens a branch by cutting back to a lateral branch that is large enough (at least one-third the diameter) to assume the terminal role and maintain the branch's vascular connection.
Why should pruning cuts avoid leaving a 'stub' extending beyond the branch collar?
Answer: Stubs prevent the tree's natural wound closure process from sealing the wound efficiently
Stubs prevent efficient wound closure because the branch collar cannot grow over the extended dead wood. The exposed stub becomes an entry point for decay organisms.
During which season is pruning generally most detrimental to oak trees in regions where oak wilt is present?
Answer: Spring through early summer
Pruning oaks during spring through early summer (April-July) creates fresh wounds that attract sap beetles carrying oak wilt spores. This is the highest-risk period for disease transmission.
What is 'lion-tailing' and why is it considered an unacceptable pruning practice?
Answer: Stripping interior branches and foliage, leaving growth only at branch ends
Lion-tailing removes interior lateral branches and foliage while leaving tufts of growth at branch ends. This shifts weight outward, increases wind resistance at endpoints, and greatly increases the risk of branch failure.
What is the three-cut method used for when pruning large branches?
Answer: Preventing bark tearing by using an undercut, a relief cut, and a final collar cut
The three-cut method prevents bark tearing on heavy branches: first an undercut, then a top cut further out to remove the branch weight, and finally a clean finish cut just outside the branch collar.