You have a small tree in your yard that is the height that you want it, but does not have as many branches as you want. How can you prune it to trigger it to increase the number of branches?
A) Cut off the leaves at the ends of several branches.
B) Cut off the tips of the main shoots.
C) Cut off lower branches.
D) Cut off the leaves at the base of most of the branches.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cutting off the tips of the main shoots, also known as apical meristems, will cause lateral buds to grow and create new branches. This is a technique called "heading back" and is often used to encourage branching and bushier growth. Cutting off leaves at the ends of branches (A) may cause new growth, but it may also harm the branch and cause dieback. Cutting off lower branches (C) will not necessarily encourage growth at the top of the tree. Cutting off leaves at the base of branches (D) may also harm the branch and cause dieback, as well as make the tree look sparse and unattractive.

You Have a Small Tree in Your Yard That Is