Why is it important to prune trees with consideration of included bark?

Pruning trees with consideration of included bark is crucial primarily to avoid limb failure. Included bark occurs when bark is trapped between branches, which creates a weak point in the tree structure. This condition can lead to a lack of proper wood integration, ultimately compromising the strength and stability of the limbs. If left unaddressed, included bark can result in limb breakage, especially under stress from weight, wind, or disease. Proper pruning techniques help ensure that cuts are made in a way that either removes or mitigates the issues associated with included bark, promoting a healthier tree structure and reducing the risk of unexpected limb failures.

While promoting faster growth, encouraging flowering, and maintaining fruit production are all important aspects of tree care and management, they are secondary to the structural integrity of the tree. Ensuring that branches are pruned correctly to avoid weak points directly impacts the long-term health and safety of the tree.