Relationship between the size of pruning wounds and the location of the cut in urban trees
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v17i95.1618Keywords:
urban trees, urban forest, compartmentalization, pruning wounds, Hamburg method, urban pruningAbstract
Pruning urban trees is a key practice for maintaining their structural stability, functionality and longevity; however, improper cut location can generate extensive wounds that compromise the tree's structural integrity and increase its vulnerability to pathogenic fungi and other microorganisms. The Hamburg method stipulates that cuts should be made after the branch collar and the bark wrinkle, preserving the tissues responsible for compartmentalization, a physiological mechanism that limits the spread of internal decay. However, in the management of urban trees in various cities, cutting trees flush with the steem is still a common practice. This study evaluated the effect of pruning cut location (correct and flush pruning) on wound size in ten tree species used in Northeastern Mexico. To this end, two diameters per wound were measured to calculate its area, and statistical tests were applied to determine differences between species and cut type. Results indicated that flush pruning produces significantly larger wounds, with an average increase of 73 % compared to pruning done after the branch collar and bark wrinkling, with values ranging from 54 to 99 % depending on the species. These differences confirm that the location of the pruning cut directly influences the size of the wound and the tree's ability to compartmentalize.
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