Certified Arborist Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Arborist Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare confidently for your test!

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What type of pruning cut is used to establish a single central leader or to remove competing leaders?

Heading Cut
Thinning Cut
Subordination
Reduction Cut

The correct answer is: Subordination

The correct choice for establishing a single central leader or removing competing leaders is subordination. This type of cut involves selectively removing the more vigorous competing stems or branches, which allows the remaining central leader to take dominance. By doing this, the tree's overall structure is enhanced, promoting a more ideal form and reducing the risk of future structural issues associated with multiple leaders. In contrast, heading cuts, which shorten a branch or stem, are typically used for maintenance and do not specifically address the issue of competing leaders. Thinning cuts remove foliage or branches without significantly shortening them, which can help improve air circulation and light penetration but does not directly resolve leader competition. Reduction cuts are primarily used to shorten a branch while maintaining its structural integrity and do not focus on establishing a single leader. Thus, subordination is the most effective option for achieving a desired tree form by promoting a single central leader.