1. Colorado Master Gardener Training Pruning Cuts

3. The Art of Pruning Pruning to Control Shape

6. Tree physiology

7. A tree is a series of boxes or “compartments” framed by annual growth rings and rays.

8. Each “compartment” is filled with tubes (xylem tissue) that transmit water and nutrients up into the tree.

9. Trees don’t heal, they seal.

12. CODIT on old Cottonwood trunk

13. Reaction Zone (Reaction Wood)

14. CODIT Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees Reaction Zone Microorganism Area Decayed wood

15. Branch Collar Branch Bark Ridge

16. Branch Defense Zone A ring of cells responsible for Woundwood growth and active in the reaction wood process. Woundwood closing over pruning cut Branch collar Branch defense zone cells

17. For the Branch Defense Zone to be active, the side branch must be less than 1/2 the diameter of the trunk/parent branch. Less than 1/3 is preferred.

18. Natural Target Pruning Protects the Branch Defense Zone . branch bark ridge branch collar branch collar final cut

22. Natural Target Pruning Protects the Branch Defense Zone . branch bark ridge branch collar branch collar final cut

24. Ash Aspen

26. Natural Target Pruning on Conifers branch bark ridge branch collar final cut branch collar

28. Quality of pruning cut?

34. Reduction cuts : Angle of final cut splits difference between angle of branch bark ridge and angle perpendicular to branch being removed. Angle perpendicular to branch being removed Angle of FINAL CUT Angle of branch bark ridge Branch bark ridge

36. Reduction cuts : To prevent suckering, the smaller branch should be at least 1/3 the diameter of larger branch removed. (At least 1/2 the diameter is preferred.) Final Cut

42. 3 cut method for any limb larger than 1”

44. Dead limb removal