PERFECT THREE-CUT PRUNING
Published Photo
S. Cory Tanner
Horticulture Program Team Director
CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE
Clemson
Abstract
\r\n Knowledge of proper pruning practices is lacking in much of the general population and something as simple as limb removal is often done improperly. Improper limb removal can cause serious damage as the branch splits away by tearing bark down the trunk of the tree, damaging the branch collar, and/or leaving too large of a wound. The three-cut pruning technique is the accepted horticultural practice for limb removal to avoid excessive damage. To educate the general public on this subject, the author created a series of four photos and three captions that visually demonstrate the proper way to perform the three-cut pruning method. This photo series appeared as a sidebar to an article written by the author titled “Pruning for structure.” The photos and captions were printed with the article on page 26 of the February 2012 issue of South Carolina Living (SCL) magazine, published by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Cayce, SC. The photos, captions and full text of the article are also available at scliving.coop. SCL is the largest print publication in S.C. and reaches more than 450,000 households. By the time of this submission, the author had received several email requests from SCL readers for additional pruning information, has distributed copies of the article during invited speaking engagements, and has emailed it as a PDF document to interested individuals. The photos and captions provide a clear illustration of how to properly remove a tree limb while preserving the long-term health and integrity of the tree.
Years of CES Service: 0
Published Photo