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Tree Biology & Anatomy

Lateral Branch

Definition

A lateral branch is a side branch that grows off a larger parent branch or trunk. Pruning back to a healthy lateral is the proper way to reduce a tree's size without leaving stubs or causing decay.

In Central Texas

Lateral pruning back to a lateral at least one-third the diameter of the cut branch is the ANSI A300 standard Tree Scouts follows on Central Texas reduction work.

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