When pruning limbs over 1 inch thick, they should be cut back to what location?

When pruning limbs that are over 1 inch thick, the correct technique involves cutting back to the branch collar. The branch collar is the natural swelling or ridge that forms where a branch meets the trunk or another branch. This area contains specialized cells that facilitate healing and prevent disease from entering the plant.

Cutting back to the branch collar helps the tree to properly seal the wound, promoting quicker recovery and reducing the risk of dieback or decay. It also preserves the protective features of the tree's structure. A clean cut made just outside the branch collar allows the tree to produce callus tissue and heal without damaging surrounding tissues.

Pruning directly to the branch collar rather than making cuts further back or to other parts of the plant is essential for healthy tree maintenance. This technique encourages proper growth and minimizes long-term harm to the tree. In contrast, cutting inside the plant or near the ground does not provide the same advantages and can possibly lead to complications in the tree’s health.