Smart Pruning Basics
Prune with purpose. Prune with care. Prune for healthier, more productive plants.
Why Prune
Have you ever looked at a tree or shrub and thought it is too tall, too wide, or too dense?
Pruning removes branches or parts of branches to achieve the structure you want.
Removing no more than one-third at a time and using proper cuts keeps plants healthier and more productive.
General Principles
- Never remove more than one-third of a tree or shrub in a single session.
- Always cut to a bud, a lateral, or just outside the branch collar.
- Avoid stubs and avoid cutting into the branch collar.
- Use clean, sharp tools for crisp, sealed wounds.
Heading Cut
A heading cut removes the top portion of a branch back to a specific bud.
We are not topping randomly. We are cutting back to one chosen bud.
How to make it- Place shears about 1/4 inch above the bud.
- Angle the cut at roughly 45 degrees away from the bud.
- Make a single, clean cut.
Buds just below the cut activate and become new branches.
Best use- Flowering shrubs and fruit trees to create more shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit.
Avoid when the goal is opening the plant because heading can increase density.
Thinning Cut
A thinning cut removes an entire branch from within the plant to thin the interior.
How to make it- Locate the enlarged branch collar at the base of the branch.
- Cut just outside the collar without cutting into it.
- Do not leave a stub beyond the collar.
Energy channels up the remaining main branch which grows longer and stronger.
Best use- Open the canopy for more light and air throughout the plant.
- Encourage flowers and fruit to form inside the plant, not just on the exterior.
Note that leaving lead branches intact can let the plant grow taller or wider than intended.
Re-leadering Cut
A re-leadering cut removes the portion of a lead branch above a lateral so the lateral becomes the new leader.
How to make it- Cut 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the joint where the leader meets the lateral.
- Hold shears at an angle halfway between perpendicular to the leader and the slope of the lateral.
Ensure the lateral is at least one-third the diameter of the leader for strength.
Plant responseEnergy shifts to the lateral which grows longer and stronger as the new leader.
Best use- Reduce plant height and width while slowing overall growth to keep plants smaller.
Density may remain if laterals are left in place so combine with thinning when needed.
Jump Cut
A jump cut safely removes heavy branches by reducing weight before the final cut.
This prevents bark tearing and large unsealed wounds.
Three-cut method- Undercut 6 inches out from the intended final cut and go one-third to one-half through.
- Make a top cut 1/2 to 1 inch further out until the branch snaps and falls cleanly.
- Finish with the final cut just outside the branch collar.
How to Combine Cuts
- To reduce height or width use re-leadering cuts on the tallest or longest branches.
- To reduce height, width, and density mix re-leadering with thinning cuts to remove laterals.
- To reduce size but boost flowering and fruit finish structural work with light heading cuts at remaining tips.
Quick Recap
- Heading creates new shoots and increases density when desired.
- Thinning opens the plant and improves light and air inside.
- Re-leadering redirects growth to a lateral and manages size.
- Jump cutting protects bark while removing heavy wood.
Practice precise cuts. Respect the one-third rule. Shape for health, light, and long-term beauty.
HTRJ Mnemonic
👉 "Hack The Right Joints"
Tip: Say it out loud before each cut: “Hack The Right Joints.”
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