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Plant Pathology InfobytesJanuary
7, 1999 Homeowners with ice storm damaged trees will probably want to go back and "neaten-up" the jagged remains of broken limbs left in the aftermath of the storm. While it may not be possible to reach all branches, it's important to carry out a proper pruning cut when possible to minimize the risk of invasion by decay organisms which could cause later tree health problems. In the past, it was thought that cutting branches off flush with trunk was the best procedure. We now know that flush cuts actually harm trees by opening them up to fungal and insect attack, since these type cuts weaken a tree's natural defense against pest invasion. Arborists now recommend cutting branches only as far as the branch collar - the raised or swollen area at the base of the branch where it joins the trunk or a larger branch. It's important to leave the collar because growth hormones present in this tissue promote healing of the wound left as a result of pruning. Because of its weight, a large limb could tear loose during pruning, cause bark stripping, and result in further injury. If the following pruning rocedures are followed the chances for this happening are minimized..
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