How Research and Practice Has Changed the Way We Prune: An International View

Summary

We review pruning strategies used world-wide on many temperate and tropical large shade tree species. Pruning practices appear to be based more upon culture and tradition of tree care in a region than on any other perceivable factor. Despite ANSI pruning standards (ANSI A300, part 1) methodology varies greatly from region to region, and from one town to the next within a region. Adoption of well-written specifications based on the ANSI standards can advance our professionalism by clarifying customer expectations. Research inspired by the ANSI standards comparing pruning methods, pruning practices, and pruning responses with the long view will be explained in light of improving structure and reducing risk. Changes in tree architecture accomplished over 20 years or more of structural pruning will show you how this system works on trees from across the globe. Perhaps what is most surprising is how little we know about the most often applied arboriculture practice—pruning.