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Over-extended or defective limb

over extended limb illustration

The tree at the top has a long over-extended limb on the lower left side of the canopy. Reducing the length of the limb can reduce the risk of it breaking from the tree. A small dose of reduction removes a small amount of wood and foliage from the edge of the limb (lower left). A large dose removes more weight by cutting closer to the trunk (lower right).