What specific area of a tree is the target for pruning, located between the trunk and the attached branch?

The target area for pruning between the trunk and the attached branch is the branch collar. The branch collar is a specialized region of the tree where the trunk and branch connect. This area contains important tissues that help in the healing process after pruning because it has a higher concentration of the cells necessary for wound closure and growth.

Understanding the function of the branch collar is crucial for maintaining tree health. Pruning cuts made too close to the trunk, removing the branch collar, can hinder the tree's ability to heal properly and may increase the risk of disease and decay. Conversely, cuts that are too far from the trunk can leave a large stub, which is also detrimental to the tree's health.

In contrast, while the bark ridge, branch union, and limb collar are all relevant terms in the context of tree anatomy and pruning, they do not specifically refer to the target area for pruning in the same way the branch collar does. The bark ridge is typically the raised area of bark found at the top of the branch collar, indicative of the branch's attachment to the trunk. The branch union refers to the point where the branch and trunk meet, a broader term that includes the branch collar as one aspect. The limb collar describes a similar anatomical feature but