In numerous pruning instructions it can be read that thick branches are to be cut on Astring. These instructions explain in detail what the term "astring" means and how the cutting technique is skilfully applied.

A rings are sensitive to injury

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  1. What is an astring?
  2. Cut to Astring - how to do it right
  3. Cut thick branches step by step on Astring - this is how it works

    4. What is an astring?

    At the transition from the trunk to the branch there is a bulging thickening, which is referred to as an astring in technical jargon. This bulge contains a high concentration of dividing cambium, which plays a central role in wound healing. Furthermore, the task of the astringer at this point, which is subject to high static loads, is to provide the necessary stabilization.

    Cut to Astring - how to do it right

    Its important functions for stability, growth and wound healing leave no doubt that any injury to the branch ring can have fatal consequences for the affected tree or shrub. For this reason, many pruning instructions contain the advice to cut every thicker branch specifically to the astring. How to proceed professionally:

    • Sharpen and disinfect the blade or saw blade
    • Start from above just before the branch and saw off the branch in one go
    • Smooth out the edges of the wound with a knife or spatula

    Gardeners sometimes cut too far away from the bead out of fear of damaging the branch. What remains is a short or long stub that dries up and rots over time. This creates a dangerous source of infection for diseases and pests. The figure below documents how to do it correctly.

    Position the saw a short distance from the knot ring. The astring itself must not be damaged under any circumstances.

    Cut thick branches step by step on Astring - this is how it works

    Heavy or particularly thick branches can break off in one go and cause serious damage to the tree. You avoid this disaster by cutting in several stages and on astring. How to do it step by step:

    • Place the saw on the underside two hand widths from the knot ring
    • Stabilize the branch with the other (gloved) hand
    • Saw from below to the middle of the shoot
    • Now position the saw 10 centimeters to the right or left on the top
    • Saw until the branch breaks smoothly

    In the third step, you devote yourself to the remaining stub. Cut this off on a string and smooth the edges of the wound with a knife or spatula.

    Branches as thick as an arm are removed in three stages. First, saw from below, two hand widths away from the knot ring. Then move the saw to the side and saw from above until the branch breaks. Lastly, trim off the small stump on Astring cleanly.

    What to do if no astring is visible?

    If you cannot identify a bulge as a knot, the saw will cut parallel to the trunk. Position the saw blade just in front of the bark strip and saw off the branch downwards. A slight incline allows rainwater to run off faster. The trunk wood must not be affected when cutting. Finally, smooth the edges of the wound with a sharp knife to optimize wound healing.

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    A particularly thick astring is an alarm signal. If there is an unusually thick bulge in the transition from branch to trunk, it is a so-called “parting collar”. The branch in question is no longer adequately supplied or has already died, so that there is a risk of breakage. This source of danger should be removed with a cut on Astring.

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