Certified Arborist Practice Exam 2026 - Free Certified Arborist Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer describes a specific type of pruning technique known as a heading cut. A heading cut involves removing a branch or stem back to its point of origin on the parent stem or branch. This type of cut is often used to maintain the size of a tree or shrub, control growth, or encourage denser foliage. When executed properly, a heading cut prompts the tree to produce new shoots and can help shape the plant while sometimes enhancing its overall health.

In this context, thinning cuts involve selectively removing branches to improve air circulation or light penetration within the canopy, rather than cutting back to a branch's point of origin. Subordination refers to techniques that focus on lowering the prominence of a branch, allowing other leaders or stems to take precedence. Reduction cuts are intended to decrease a branch's length while still maintaining its integrity and connection to the tree, rather than completely removing it at its point of origin. A clear understanding of these different pruning methods is essential for effective tree management and health.