The secondary bud is just beginning to be revealed at the lower left quadrant of the cut. This cut is still too shallow. The secondary bud is better defined, but only the tips of bud scales have been cut. Third cut This cut shows a life primary bud. The cut has been through what will become a shoot internode.
People often worry about whether the color is bright green, olive green or sort of gray.
Just so long as the bud is not blackened, it is alive. The tertiary bud can now be seen, but only bud scales of the secondary and tertiary buds have been cut. This is a good level to assess the health of the secondary and teritary buds, but it is too deep to assess primary bud health. Dead buds will often be found on live bud cushions. Fifth cut This cut is too deep.