Explicación de los Estándares de Poda (ANSI A300) para Candidatos al ISA

1. Cleaning: Removing dead, dying, diseased, and broken branches.
2. Thinning: Selective removal of live branches to reduce density (for light/air).
3. Raising: Removing lower branches to provide vertical clearance.
4. Reduction: Decreasing the height/spread of a canopy by cutting back to lateral branches.

The Dos and Don'ts

The 25% Rule

Generally, you should not remove more than 25% of the living foliage in a single growing season.

• Why? Removing leaves removes the tree's energy source. It stresses the tree.
• Old Trees: For mature/senescent trees, the limit is often lower (10% or less).

Three-Cut Method

When removing a large limb (> 1-2 inches), use three cuts to prevent bark tearing:

1. Undercut: Stops the bark from peeling down the trunk.
2. Top cut: Removes the weight of the limb.
3. Final cut: Removes the stub at the branch collar.

Forbidden Practices

• Topping: Cutting back to stubs between nodes. This causes decay and rapid, weak regrowth (watersprouts).
• Lion Tailing: Stripping all the inner foliage and leaving just a tuft at the end. This makes branches susceptible to wind snap and sunscald.
• Flush Cuts: Cutting through the branch collar. This damages the trunk tissue and prevents proper compartmentalization (wound closure).

Writing Specs

For the exam, remember this formula: "I will [Method] to [Objective] by removing [Size/Location] branches."

• Example: "I will Clean the crown to Reduce Risk by removing deadwood > 2 inches diameter."