Fig. A
Notice the swelling at the base of each branch. This is trunk tissue (called the branch collar) and helps hold the branch securely on the trunk. A proper cut is made along the dashed line.

Fig. B
Cut along the line just to the left of the word 'yes' to properly remove the branch. If the cut is made closer to the trunk, this is a flush cut. If it is made farther from the trunk, a stub will be left.

Fig. C
This shows how to properly remove branches from the trunk. Always cut to the outside of the branch collar and branch bark ridge (BBR). Notice that the branch bark ridge is still visible on top of the pruning cut and the pruning scar is nearly circular.

Fig. D
This shows a properly executed pruning cut (right hand side of photograph). 

Fig. E
Never make a flush cut as shown here. Notice that the branch bark ridge is missing from the top of the pruning cut. This improper cut, usually oval, initiates trunk decay and can reduce growth in the nursery and landscape after planting.

Fig. F
The pruning scar and the woundwood or callus growth which begins to close over the pruning scar from an improperly executed pruning cut is often shaped like an oval. Callus is often missing from the top or bottom of the pruning scar on an improperly executed pruning cut.

Fig. G
Woundwood or callus growth around a proper pruning cut is circular.

Some species have no swelling at the base of branches, and it may be more difficult to determine exactly where to make a proper pruning cut. Always begin the cut to the outside of the branch bark ridge, and angle it away from the trunk.