Direct answer
Cut just outside the branch collar.
Cut just outside the branch collar. Don't flush-cut. Don't lion-tail. Don't top. Don't remove more than ~25% of live canopy in a season. Match cut size to wound healing capacity.
Arbor Image Tree Care, based in Oklahoma City, OK, serves the Oklahoma City metro with arborist-led tree health, preservation, pruning, removal, planting, and storm response.
What to do next
- Take 3–4 photos of the tree, full canopy, base, and any damage.
- Note the city, neighborhood, and what you've already seen change.
- Request a free on-site assessment from an ISA-Certified Arborist.
- We'll send a written quote with preservation options before any saw runs.
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