What is the primary objective of utility pruning?
To maintain safe and reliable clearance between vegetation and utility lines while preserving tree health.
Define “line-clearance pruning.”
The selective removal of tree branches and limbs to prevent contact with energized or unenergized lines.
Which of the following is a key consideration when pruning near energized lines? A. Safety procedures B. Appropriate tools C. Correct pruning techniques D. All of the above
D. All of the above
What is the definition of “directional pruning”?
Pruning that encourages tree growth away from utility lines.
List three goals of utility pruning.
- Ensure public and worker safety 2. Maintain system reliability 3. Promote tree health and structure
Which pruning technique is used to remove dead, dying, or diseased branches?
Deadwooding
Define “crown cleaning.”
The removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, or weak branches from the tree crown.
What is the purpose of a “crown thinning” cut?
To reduce branch density to allow light penetration and airflow while maintaining natural shape.
Which of the following best describes “crown raising”? A. Removal of lower branches to increase clearance B. Reducing top branches C. Removing epicormic sprouts D. None of the above
A. Removal of lower branches to increase clearance
Why is pruning for clearance different for distribution lines versus transmission lines?
Distribution lines are lower voltage and may allow closer pruning; transmission lines require greater clearance distances due to higher voltage hazards.
What are three safety practices for utility pruning?
- Inspect work site 2. Wear appropriate PPE 3. Use proper rigging and climbing techniques
Define “natural target pruning.”
Removing branches in a manner that preserves the tree’s natural shape and growth pattern.
Which of the following is an example of directional pruning? A. Cutting branches to grow away from lines B. Topping a tree C. Removing all lower limbs D. Shearing for aesthetics
A. Cutting branches to grow away from lines
Why is knowledge of tree species important in utility pruning?
Different species respond differently to pruning, and some are more prone to decay or weak growth.
What is a “heading cut”?
A cut that removes a branch or leader at a point along its length to encourage lateral growth.
What is a “drop-crotch cut” and when is it used?
A cut that reduces the length of a branch by cutting back to a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the cut branch; used in crown reduction.
Which pruning technique removes entire limbs back to the trunk or parent branch?
Removal cut
Which of the following is a potential consequence of improper pruning? A. Increased decay B. Weak branch structure C. Reduced tree health D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Explain “pruning for reliability.”
Removing or modifying vegetation in a way that reduces the risk of power outages while maintaining tree structure and health.
Why is it important to minimize wound size during pruning?
Smaller wounds heal faster and reduce the risk of decay or disease infection.
What is the definition of “codominant stems”?
Two or more main stems of similar size that share a common junction, which may require corrective pruning to reduce failure risk.
Which cut is used to remove a branch without leaving a stub and without damaging the trunk?
Three-cut method or removal cut
List three factors to consider when deciding pruning cycles.
Tree species, growth rate, and utility line voltage or clearance requirements
Define “risk pruning.”
Selective removal or reduction of branches that pose a risk to public safety, utility infrastructure, or tree stability.
