When pruning cuts are made, which feature must be preserved?

When pruning cuts are made, which feature must be preserved?

• A. Branch collar
• B. Main trunk removed
• C. Cambium completely removed
• D. Leaves removed

Answer: (A)

Preserving the branch collar is essential because it contains the living tissue that forms the wound seal as the tree heals. A proper pruning cut ends just outside the branch collar, leaving that collar intact so the tree can produce callus tissue and close the wound efficiently. Cutting flush with the trunk or removing the collar disrupts this healing process and increases the risk of decay and pathogen entry. The other options involve removing parts that aren’t related to how a tree naturally seals pruning wounds, or remove tissue the tree needs to heal. Keeping the branch collar intact supports faster and safer recovery after pruning.

Preserving the branch collar is essential because it contains the living tissue that forms the wound seal as the tree heals. A proper pruning cut ends just outside the branch collar, leaving that collar intact so the tree can produce callus tissue and close the wound efficiently. Cutting flush with the trunk or removing the collar disrupts this healing process and increases the risk of decay and pathogen entry. The other options involve removing parts that aren’t related to how a tree naturally seals pruning wounds, or remove tissue the tree needs to heal. Keeping the branch collar intact supports faster and safer recovery after pruning.