Heading cuts are sometimes necessary

Heading cuts can be used to reduce large trees where reduction and removal cuts can not accomplish desired objectives. The pruning cuts shown at right cut back to very small branches (less than one-third the cut diameter) so they are considered heading cuts. Arborists do this knowing that severe decay can occur behind heading cuts, especially on large branches. In general, trees receiving heading cuts should be kept in a smaller size in perpetuity.

Photo: Jake Miesbauer