Improper Pruning and the Tearing of Bark

Curtis E. Swift, Ph.D.
Area Extension Agent (Horticulture)
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Tri River Area

Limbs one inch or more in diameter should be removed with three cuts to prevent the damage shown above. Such damage creates excellent avenues for insects and the various wood rotting organisms to invade the tree causing its continued decline.

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Drawing from How To Prune Trees, Private Forestry publicaton NA-FR-01-95

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