Branch Collar & Branch Bark Ridge | Tree Pruning, Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Oak Pruning, Arborist and 24 Hour Tree Service

"A tree pruned properly is a tree that has retained its natural beauty."

Proper pruning is important in maintaining the health of your tree. Trees have amazing natural defenses that enable them to heal – if they are pruned correctly. Cutting the tree improperly creates large wounds that leave the tree open to disease and decay. This is a quick introduction to proper pruning. It will show you how to make the right cut and gives some basic guidelines for making the decision to prune.

Tree branches grow outward from the main trunk of the tree (as opposed to a fork in the stem). When a tree branches, it forms a branch collar and a branch bark ridge. These two features are very important when it comes time to prune.

The branch collar is a distinctive bulge at the base of the branch, where it connects to the trunk. It is actually interlocking layers of cells of the branch and the trunk, and is the part that will heal the wound left by pruning. The branch collar seals off the wound, minimizing disease and decay. Proper pruning leaves the branch collar intact. Branch collars vary widely from tree to tree, and from species to species. Some are large and very noticeable, while some are much harder to distinguish.

The branch bark ridge is slightly raised bark between the branch and the trunk that extends in a line to each side of the trunk. When the branch collar is difficult to identify, the branch bark ridge can help us decide where to make our pruning cut. When you are pruning, never cut behind the branch bark ridge.

Member, Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture (W.C.I.S.A) Certified Arborist #WC-1915A California State Contractors License #833183

To be Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura County's favorite tree care company! To be known for consistently delivering the best tree care, great value for your money and customer service second to none. Most importantly to preserve and protect valuable landscape trees and to keep them healthy and viable for future generations to enjoy.