Cut considerations

If location A has a 2-inch trunk with a half-inch side branch, it does not meet the reduction cut guideline (waterspout growth) as the side branch is one-fourth the size of the trunk being removed. Consideration: Due to the size relationship, this becomes a heading cut. Watersprouts regrowth on the trunk could make it more prone to storm damage than before pruning! If location A has a 2-inch trunk with a 1-inchside branch, it meets the pruning guidelines for both size (decay potential) and reduction cut (waterspout growth). Consideration As drawn, the reduction cut may have little potential to minimize storm damage, as the height is not significantly lowered (wind loading) and the total potential for snow loading has not been significantly reduced.

If location B has a four-inch trunk and a 3-inch side branch it violates the size (decay) guidelines because the trunk is too large, predisposing the trunk to decay and internal cracking. Consideration This is typical when pruning maturing trees, as branches will be too large except in the outer canopy. The 3" side branch is within the reduction cut (waterspout) guideline, making it a reduction cut. If location B has a 4-inch trunk and a 1-inch side branch, it violates both the size (decay) and the reduction cut (waterspout) guidelines.

If location C has a 6-inch trunk and a 3-inch side branch it violates the size (decay) standard. Consideration The 3-inch side branch is within the reduction cut (waterspout) standard.

If location D has an 8-inch trunk with a 6-inch side branch (secondary trunk) it violates the size (decay) guideline. Consdieration As drawn, the removal of the entire branch would create a gap in the canopy. Removal of the left side secondary trunk plus additional pruning on the right side to aesthetically balance the tree would remove too much of the tree's foliage/live wood in a single season.