Positions of Final Cuts

When a branch is removed at its point of attachment, injury of the wood and bark of the parent stem or branch above the cut should be avoided in order to help avoid colonisation by decay organisms and pathogens. If a branch collar is visible, the final cut should be just outside it. If there is a branch bark ridge but no visible collar, the cut should be made with its top edge just outside the ridge and at right angles to the grain, unless experience indicates the need for a steeper angle.