The practice of natural target pruning makes use of the branch collar to identify the proper location to remove a branch. But there is a three-cut process that must be used to remove branches in order to preserve the bark tissue and the branch collar.

	The first cut (marked A in figures below) is an undercut about 1/4 through the branch made upward from the bottom of the branch about one or two inches farther out than the collar.
	The second cut (marked B in figures below) is a downward cut just outside the undercut that actually removes the entire branch, eliminating the weight of the branch before making the final natural target cut.
	The third cut (marked C-D in figures below) is the natural target cut. The remaining portion of stub is removed with a cut made just outside of the branch collar tissue.

	(Figure 7-8) Pruning Hardwoods to Protect Branch Collars. The Three Cut Process: Video Vignette (See it live!) Healed Natural Target Pruning:  Video Vignette: (See it live!)
(Figure 7-9) Pruning Conifers to Protect Branch Collars.

(Figure 7-10) Results of Improper Pruning Cuts. Ouch! When limbs are removed without making an undercut, the bark may be peeled down the trunk as the limb falls downward.