Pruning Standards ANSI A300 2017 Revision

ANSI A300 Part 1 for Tree Care Operations Pruning Standards 2017 RevisionThe ANSI Standard represents the industry consensus on performing tree care operations. These standards can be used to prepare tree care contract specifications. This part of the A300 standards applies to pruning and trimming operations.Part 1 Pruning addresses:Pruning objectivesPruning systemsPruning specificationsPruning cutsPruning practicesPalms and similar plantsPruning definitionsA300 Pruning standards recognize, but are not limited to, the following pruning objectives:Manage riskManage healthDevelop structure, such as to: Improve branch and trunk architecture Promote or subordinate certain leaders, stems, or branches; Promote desirable branch spacing; Promote or discourage growth in a particular direction (directional pruning); Minimize future interference with traffic, lines of sight, or infrastructure, or other plants; Restore plants following damage; and/or, Rejuvenate shrubs.Provide clearance, such as to: Ensure safe and reliable utility services; Minimize current interference with traffic, lines of sight, infrastructure, or other plants; Raise crown(s) for movement of traffic or light penetration; Ensure lines-of-sight or desired views; Provide access to sites, buildings, or other structures; and/or, Comply with regulations.Manage size or shapeImprove aestheticsManage production of fruit, flowers, or other productsManage wildlife habitatAdvisory Notice:Certain pruning practices are not acceptable and can injure trees:Topping: The reduction of a tree's size using heading cuts that shorten limbs or branches back to a predetermined crown limit.Lion's Tailing: The removal of an excessive number of inner, lateral branches from parent branches.Rooster-Tailing: The over-thinning of palms, usually by removing too many lower, live fronds.