How should pruning cuts be made near the branch collar?

• A. Cut flush with the branch collar to maximize wound closure.
• B. Leave the branch, do not cut.
• C. Cut just outside the branch collar to preserve the natural wound seal and avoid flush cuts.
• D. Remove the branch entirely at the trunk.

Answer: (C)

Preserving the tree’s natural wound seal is the goal. Cutting just outside the branch collar means you remove the limb close to where it meets the trunk, but you keep the branch collar tissue on the trunk side. That collar contains specialized tissue that forms a protective seal as the tree seals the wound with callus tissue. A flush cut removes this collar and leaves a larger wound that is harder for the tree to close, increasing the risk of decay and infection. Cutting too far from the collar leaves a stub that also slows sealing. So, the best practice is to cut just outside the branch collar to promote quick, natural wound closure.