CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Pruning Standards and Cuts Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a reduction cut according to ANSI A300 standards, the remaining lateral branch should be at least what proportion of the diameter of the branch being removed?
- One-quarter
- One-third (Correct answer)
- One-half
- Equal in size
Correct answer: One-third
ANSI A300 standards specify that for a proper reduction cut, the remaining lateral branch must be large enough to assume the terminal role. The general guideline is that it should be at least one-third the diameter of the removed stem to ensure it can sustain the limb and promote proper wound closure.
Question 2: An arborist in Albuquerque is tasked with removing a large, heavy limb from a mature Siberian elm. To prevent the bark from tearing down the trunk, which of the following is the most critical first step?
- Make the final cut just outside the branch collar.
- Use a chainsaw with a sharp chain.
- Make a shallow undercut several inches away from the trunk. (Correct answer)
- Cut the limb from the top down in one single motion.
Correct answer: Make a shallow undercut several inches away from the trunk.
The three-cut method is essential for removing large limbs safely. The first cut is a shallow undercut made on the underside of the branch, several inches out from the final cut location. This cut prevents the weight of the limb from tearing the bark down the trunk as the second, main cut is made from the top.
Question 3: Which of the following pruning practices is explicitly forbidden under ANSI A300 standards?
- Crown cleaning
- Making a heading cut on a young branch
- Removing more than 30% of the foliage in one year
- Leaving a flush cut by removing the branch collar (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Leaving a flush cut by removing the branch collar
ANSI A300 standards prohibit flush cuts, which involve removing the branch collar. The branch collar contains specialized tissues that are critical for compartmentalizing decay and closing the wound. Removing it creates a larger wound and exposes the trunk to potential infection. The standard generally recommends removing no more than 25% of the foliage in a single year.
Question 4: A subordination cut is a type of reduction cut used specifically to:
- Remove all interior branches, also known as 'lion's-tailing'.
- Reduce the height of the entire tree uniformly, also known as 'topping'.
- Slow the growth of a competing co-dominant stem to encourage a single leader. (Correct answer)
- Raise the crown by removing the lowest branches of the tree.
Correct answer: Slow the growth of a competing co-dominant stem to encourage a single leader.
Subordination cuts are used in structural pruning to manage co-dominant stems. By reducing the length of a competing stem, its growth is slowed, allowing the selected dominant leader to become stronger and better established, which improves the tree's overall structure.
Question 5: When making a final pruning cut to remove a branch from the trunk, what two anatomical features are the primary guides for the correct angle and placement?
- The branch collar and the branch bark ridge. (Correct answer)
- The terminal bud and the lateral buds.
- The heartwood and the sapwood.
- The lenticels and the leaf scars.
Correct answer: The branch collar and the branch bark ridge.
The proper location for a final pruning cut is just outside the branch bark ridge and the branch collar. The branch bark ridge helps determine the angle of the cut from the top, while the branch collar at the base should be left completely intact to allow for proper wound closure and compartmentalization.
Question 6: According to the City of Albuquerque's general practices and common arboricultural standards, when is the optimal time to perform significant structural pruning on most deciduous trees?
- During the hottest part of the summer (August).
- In late spring, after the leaves have fully emerged.
- In the dormant season, typically late winter (e.g., February-March). (Correct answer)
- In the middle of the fall, as leaves are changing color.
Correct answer: In the dormant season, typically late winter (e.g., February-March).
Pruning during the dormant season (late winter) is recommended for most trees in Albuquerque. This timing minimizes stress on the tree, reduces the risk of pest and disease infestation at the wound site, and allows the arborist to see the tree's structure clearly without leaves.
CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Pruning Standards and Cuts Questions and Answers 1
When performing a reduction cut according to ANSI A300 standards, the remaining lateral branch should be at least what proportion of the diameter of the branch being removed?