Saw a crew in Phoenix cut a flush collar on a live oak removal

They were taking down a big one and made the final cut right against the trunk, leaving no branch collar at all. I had to explain to the foreman that the collar is the tree's natural defense zone and cutting into it invites rot and disease. How many of you still run into crews that don't know this basic cut?

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3 Comments

ward.emery7mo ago

Just classic stump-cut special. It's like they think the tree heals with a scab like we do. I'm surprised the foreman didn't argue that the collar is just extra wood you pay for by weight.

3

sarah_brown7mo ago

Consider the practical side of a flush cut for a second. Sometimes you need the stump totally flat for a new patio or slab. That collar wood can be in the way and actually cause more problems later.

7

clairefisher6mo ago

Trees actually do form a callus over wounds, it's just not like human skin.

1