Which practice best promotes wound healing after pruning?

Which practice best promotes wound healing after pruning?

• A. Removing all leaves during healing
• B. Pruning during active growth phase only
• C. Maintaining carbohydrate reserves by not over-pruning and allowing recovery
• D. Watering constantly with high irrigation

Answer: (C)

Wound healing after pruning relies on the tree having energy to devote to callus formation and defense at the wound site. Leaves are the source of this energy through photosynthesis, so preserving carbohydrate reserves by not over-pruning keeps the tree able to generate the necessary sugars and starches for wound closure. When too many leaves are removed, the tree’s carbon gain drops, slowing wound healing and increasing susceptibility to decay and disease. Therefore, allowing the tree to recover and maintain adequate leaf area supports faster and more effective wound healing. The other practices either remove the energy supply, stress the tree, or waste resources, which can hinder the healing process.

Wound healing after pruning relies on the tree having energy to devote to callus formation and defense at the wound site. Leaves are the source of this energy through photosynthesis, so preserving carbohydrate reserves by not over-pruning keeps the tree able to generate the necessary sugars and starches for wound closure. When too many leaves are removed, the tree’s carbon gain drops, slowing wound healing and increasing susceptibility to decay and disease. Therefore, allowing the tree to recover and maintain adequate leaf area supports faster and more effective wound healing. The other practices either remove the energy supply, stress the tree, or waste resources, which can hinder the healing process.