Pruning Cuts

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Basically, there are three types of pruning cuts. Each is distinctly different and is used to accomplish unique objectives. Using only the three cut type names, reduction, removal, and heading, should make communication simpler.

(1) A reduction cut reduces the length of a branch or stem back to a live lateral branch of sufficient size. A reduction cut removes a stem that is larger than the retain lateral branch. This cut has also been referred to as a lateral cut, bench cut, or a drop-crotch cut. It was called a thinning cut in an older version of the national pruning standard, the ANSI A300 Part 1 Pruning 1995.
(2) A removal cut, sometimes called a collar cut, removes a branch from the trunk or parent branch just outside the collar, if a collar is present. A removal cut removes a branch that is smaller than the parent. It was also called a thinning cut in an older version of the national pruning standard, which made it difficult to distinguish from a reduction cut.
(3) A heading cut reduces the length of a stem or branch without regard to the position or diameter of nearby lateral branches.

A flush cut should not be used in trees.

Reduction cut	Removal cut	Heading cut

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