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TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



mature tree the cutting should be done at a crotch, and 

 the wound should be parallel with the stem from which 

 the limb has grown. The cut should be as close as possible 

 to the remaining branch to promote rapid healing and a 

 good appearance afterward. A perceptible collar or shoul- 



Improper method of pruning tree, 

 a. Tree before pruning. 



b. Limb cut too close resulting in bark peeling, 

 c. Unsightly wound caused by this kind of pruning. 



der will usually be found around the base of a limb, and the 

 wound will heal most readily if the cut is made through 

 this collar. The fact that the close cut involves a larger 

 wound is less important than the lessened danger of 

 decay and the better appearance which come with the 

 absence of an unsightly stub. All cuts should be left 

 with smooth regular edges and surfaces, as jagged, rough 

 outlines or surfaces retard healing. When there has 

 been a clean cut, properly made, a small wound requires 

 no treatment other than waterproofing by painting the 



