Question about pruning cuts..

[Lancstree]

We are working on a lime avenue this week removing the epicormic growth (suckers) from the base and the bole of the trees. I've been making the final cut where, to the best of my knowledge is the best for 'natural target pruning'. On lime epicormic there is often a bulge, much like a canker from which the branch protrudes and I make the cut where the two meet.

 

I've just been informed today by the tree officer that on lime trees its acceptable practice to cut right back as though to include the bulge as part of the branch but this looks to me to be a flush cut and an entry point for bacteria. His demonstration included single cuts made where there is a cluster of epicormic growth, thus treating this cluster as one.

 

Has anyone heard of this practice on limes?

[Peter]

Yes. I have heard of LAs specifying removal of epicormic growth using a machete or billhook type tool.

[cerneARB]

i know that dormant buds go deep into the heartwood. Dont sound good to me to cut into the cambuim thou! But then i new to arb and dont that much.

[Anna]

I've always done that with suckers at the base.

[Steve Bullman]

ive heard it too...not something i subscribe to though

[madclimber]

Ive always cut to where the two meet,no further

[skyhuck]

[Chris Harris]

I'm the same, to were the two meet

[Lee Winger]

We are working on a lime avenue this week removing the epicormic growth (suckers) from the base and the bole of the trees. I've been making the final cut where, to the best of my knowledge is the best for 'natural target pruning'. On lime epicormic there is often a bulge, much like a canker from which the branch protrudes and I make the cut where the two meet.

 

I've just been informed today by the tree officer that on lime trees its acceptable practice to cut right back as though to include the bulge as part of the branch but this looks to me to be a flush cut and an entry point for bacteria. His demonstration included single cuts made where there is a cluster of epicormic growth, thus treating this cluster as one.

 

Has anyone heard of this practice on limes?

 

You're right, the tree officer is wrong imo..

[MasterBlaster]

Tree officer? I'm glad we don't have them.