[3][4] The branch collar which provides a protective barrier to prevent infection and decay, can also be useful in diagnosing bacterial diseases.

[1][5] Proper pruning techniques should accommodate for the branch collar structure, as by damaging the tree it is likely to decay or become diseased.

[1] The formation of narrow channels and loops within the branch collar tissue are the pathways left behind by the flowing of large volumes of hormonal signals.

[3] Within the branch collar there are water flow restriction zones, which are the combination of narrow vascular elements and non-functional circular vessels these structures help enhance the segmentation of the plant and promotes the movement of water and sap up the central xylem.

[4] This function allows plants such as the crack willow (Salix Fragilis) to perform vegetative propagation where the shed branch will then root itself and grow.

[12] Suberization followed by periderm formation may provide a barrier to further mycelial advance, and the abundant production of resin may constitute further protection.

[14] Natural target pruning aims to retain the branch collar on the primary trunk while removing the rest of the branch, thereby promoting the development of the wood wound callus tissue free of defects and therefore possessing greater wood strength.

[15] Furthermore, Natural target pruning recommended guidelines aiming to retain the integrity of the branch collar has been shown to facilitate effective wound closure.

[16] The traditional method of pruning branches was to make an even level cut against the tree trunk, but this technique is currently avoided as evidence has shown that flush cuts increase the wound size and encourage the invasion of the wound by microorganisms and decay.

[17]  Therefore, the current recommendation encourages that branches should be removed outside the branch collar as this technique facilitates a circular closure around the wound, while flush cuts often result in a distorted closure that exposes the wood to discolouration and decay.

When pruning injures or removes the branch collar, the trunk xylem above and below the cut is rapidly infected by the microorganisms inhabiting the wood and decay of the plant occurs.

[18] Young trees should be pruned enough to control the direction of the plants growth and to correct any form of weakness along the branch.

[19] The quality of pruning has significant effect on the infection by fungal pathogens, which can consequently cause stem disease.

[20] Remove damaged, weak diseased, or insect infested growth or small unwanted branches anytime.

This cut is done to prevent the falling weight of the branch from tearing the stem tissue as it pulls away from the tree, which can cause damage and infection.

[24] The branch collar has a variety of functions one of which is a natural defence system from disease and infection.