Reduction and heading cuts

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Photo example of reduction cuts

Stem reduction in the landscape is best accomplished using reduction cuts.

A reduction cut (also referred to as a drop-crotch cut) removes a stem back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem. Sprouts commonly follow a reduction cut, especially if a large portion (greater than about one-quarter) of the live foliage was removed with the cut. If the branch that remains is less than about one-third the diameter of the cut stem, the cut is considered a heading cut. Reduction cuts are used to reduce the length of a stem or branch. Heading cuts are not considered appropriate in most instances in the landscape. Heading cuts are sometimes necessary when attempting to restore trees following storm damage.