Certified Arborist Practice Test

Lion-tailing is primarily the result of excessive foliage removal during the pruning process. This practice typically involves removing the majority of the inner leaves and smaller branches from a tree while leaving the outer foliage intact. As a consequence, the tree's natural form is altered, leading to a bare and elongated branch structure that resembles a lion's tail.

When foliage is excessively removed, the tree also experiences a significant reduction in its ability to produce energy through photosynthesis, weakening it overall. This can create a situation where the remaining leaves become overcrowded, receiving more sunlight than they would under a natural canopy, potentially leading to other health issues in the tree over time. Additionally, the tree's structural integrity can be compromised since branches may become elongated and susceptible to breakage without the support of inner foliage.

Understanding lion-tailing emphasizes the need to maintain a balanced approach to pruning that fosters healthy growth and aesthetics while preventing the negative impacts associated with over-pruning.