What should be done to prevent bark stripping while removing a main branch from the trunk?

To prevent bark stripping while removing a main branch from a trunk, the most effective practice is to remove most of the weight before making the final cut. This technique minimizes the risk of the branch tearing away from the trunk, which can lead to damage of the bark.

When a branch is cut, if there is too much weight still attached, the weight can pull down and strip the bark away from the trunk as the branch falls. By first reducing the weight—usually by making a few preliminary cuts on the branch further out from the trunk—you lessen the force exerted on the trunk during the final cut. This practice ensures that the natural bark integrity is maintained, allowing the tree to heal properly and reducing the risk of disease or decay through exposed areas.

The other choices, while they may have some merit in specific contexts, do not specifically address the issue of bark stripping in the manner that preemptive weight removal does. Cutting at an angle or using a saw instead of pruning shears may influence the shape or finish of the cut, while making the cut in one motion primarily relates to efficiency or cleanliness of the cut rather than directly preventing bark damage.