Showerthought: I used to be all about the flush cut on every single limb removal.

For years, I was taught and believed that cutting a branch flush to the trunk was the only 'right' way to do it. I'd grind that collar right off to get a perfectly smooth surface, thinking I was preventing rot. Then, about two years ago, I was working on a big old oak in Springfield and a veteran arborist I respect pointed at one of my cuts and just said, 'You're hurting the tree more than helping it.' He showed me how the branch collar is actually a natural defense zone, and a proper cut just outside of it lets the tree seal the wound correctly. I switched my whole crew over to the collar-respect method after that. The difference in callus growth on trees we've monitored is night and day. Has anyone else made a complete 180 on a technique they were sure was gospel?

3 comments

3 Comments

palmer.laura2mo ago

Man, that reminds me of my old boss and his obsession with the perfect lawn stripe.

ray7232mo ago

Bet he measured the grass with a ruler.

jake_kelly2410d ago

Ray's comment got me laughing, especially since my neighbor used a tape measure on his lawn last summer... drove me nuts watching him. And @palmer.laura you brought back memories of my dad trying to stripe his grass with a push mower, he'd redo it three times if the lines weren't straight. Honestly, some folks just get obsessed with that perfect green look, even if it means counting blades. I feel for anyone dealing with that kind of boss though, it's rough when a hobby turns into a chore.