Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What practice can lead to the formation of weak branch attachments in trees?

1. Lion-tailing

2. Subordination

3. Reduction Cut

4. Heading Cut

The correct answer is: Subordination

The correct practice that can lead to the formation of weak branch attachments in trees is lion-tailing. Lion-tailing involves the drastic removal of interior branches while leaving the outer leaves intact, which causes the tree to develop weak connections between the remaining branches and their parent stems. This is because the sudden reduction of inner foliage results in poor taper and weak attachment points, making the tree more susceptible to structural failure. Subordination, on the other hand, involves the intentional pruning of certain branches to encourage the growth of other branches. While it can influence how branches develop, it generally promotes stronger attachment by managing the tree's overall structure and growth patterns. Reduction cuts are intended to decrease the size of a branch while maintaining its structural integrity, promoting strength rather than creating weak attachments. Heading cuts can also lead to various growth responses depending on the species and the specific context, but they do not typically result in the same level of structural weakness seen with lion-tailing. Understanding how different pruning practices affect tree structure is crucial for maintaining tree health and preventing potential hazards.