ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on pruning trees in developed landscapes. Common objectives for pruning amenity trees include: improve aesthetics, structure, or tree health; reduce the likelihood of failure; create clearance or a view; stimulate flower production; restore trees damaged by poor pruning, storms, or vandalism; and manage pests. Pruning types describe one or more of the following: the part of a branch to be removed, the location in the crown from which branches will be removed, and the type of cut used to remove branches. Pruning induces physiological responses in, and has mechanical consequences for, trees. Physiological responses (growth partitioning, carbohydrate storage, wound occlusion) and mechanical consequences can vary among species, type and severity of pruning, growing conditions, and age and health of the individual tree. Discoloration and decay are some mechanical consequences of pruning because they affect the likelihood of tree failure. In the chapter, 'tree failure' includes failure of individual branches, trunk breakage, or windthrow.
