Table 1

Equations of the line predicting force (kg) required to separate branches from the trunk versus branch:trunk diameter ratio for various branch diameters.

Branch diameter	Equation relating force vs. branch:trunk diameter ratio
5.0-5.9 mm	force = −12.2 (ratio) + 19.2, R² = .25
6.0-6.9 mm	force = −41.0 (ratio) + 45.2, R² = .53
7.0-7.9 mm	force = −39.1 (ratio) + 47.7, R² = .50
8.0-8.9 mm	force = −43.9 (ratio) + 57.3, R² = .45
9.0-9.9 mm	force = −69.1 (ratio) + 84.6, R² = .58
10.0-10.9 mm	force = −66.9 (ratio) + 90.12, R² = .65
11.0-11.9 mm	force = −137.8 (ratio) + 146.8, R² = .79
12.0-12.9 mm	force = −155.1 (ratio) + 165.1, R² = .89
13.0-13.9 mm	force = −158.6 (ratio) + 165.6, R² = .86
14.0-20.0 mm	force = −190.5 (ratio) + 217.3, R² = .90