What is the correct position for the final pruning cut on a tree or shrub branch?

The final pruning cut should be made just outside the collar of the branch. The collar is the swollen area at the base of a branch where it meets the trunk or a larger branch. This area contains specialized tissue that helps the tree heal after a cut.

By making the cut just outside the collar, you allow the tree to utilize these healing tissues effectively, promoting proper wound closure and reducing the risk of diseases entering the tree. Cutting too far back into the collar can impede healing and expose the tree to pathogens, while cutting directly within or at the collar can also lead to complications in the healing process. Therefore, placing the cut just outside the collar takes advantage of the tree's natural healing mechanisms while ensuring the branch is removed safely and effectively.