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Specific Cuts / Methods

Tree TrimmingDirectional Pruning - Prune trees to eliminate branches that will grow toward and into power lines, leaving behind select branches that grow away from power lines.  The branch collar is left intact.  All trimming cuts shall be made to direct future growth and sprouting away from conductors; maintaining the health of the tree while establishing acceptable clearance between lines and branches.

These trees need trimming!Drop-Crotch Trimming – a technique that removes a limb back to another limb or the tree's stem within the crown. The goal is to thin unwanted growth. Minimal drop-crotch trimming should be practiced on deciduous trees that are subject to excessive or rapid regrowth or sun-scald. When trimming conifers to the side of facilities, limbs should be cut back to the stem instead of tipping the ends of the branches.

branch Collar cutCollar cut – cutting of the limb just beyond the point of intersection with the trunk of the tree or another limb at the branch collar. When properly made, it will allow the tree's protective zone to aid in closing the wound. Topping, flush cuts, or branch tipping shall not be practiced. Lateral limbs that are left will be at least one-third the size of the limb being cut.

tree cut topIncorrect Methods - Shaping and Pollarding. Shaping refers to the incorrect action of pruning or tipping a tree and its branches for aesthetic or ornamental appeal only. Shaped trees re-grow quickly with vertical suckers that sprout from cut ends. The suckers are only weakly attached to the branches. This practice has been determined detrimental to overall tree health. Pollarding is the practice of pruning trees annually to remove all new growth creating an unnatural effect.