If branches are removed, what happens to the tree?

If branches are removed, what happens to the tree?

• A. The excess supplying capacity of the roots results in a vigorous flush of new shoots.
• B. Leaves fall off
• C. The roots stop growing
• D. The tree dies

Answer: (A)

When you remove branches, the plant’s ability to generate new shoot growth can actually increase, because its roots still hold stored energy and can supply more growth than the reduced canopy uses. Removing the upper growth also releases dormant buds from apical dominance, so these buds break dormancy and push out a vigorous flush of new shoots to reestablish the canopy. In other words, the plant reallocates its resources and hormones to produce new growth after pruning. Leaves aren’t automatically dropped just from pruning, the roots don’t stop growing, and the tree doesn’t die from a typical pruning event. The result is a burst of new shoots, not immediate decline.

When you remove branches, the plant’s ability to generate new shoot growth can actually increase, because its roots still hold stored energy and can supply more growth than the reduced canopy uses. Removing the upper growth also releases dormant buds from apical dominance, so these buds break dormancy and push out a vigorous flush of new shoots to reestablish the canopy. In other words, the plant reallocates its resources and hormones to produce new growth after pruning. Leaves aren’t automatically dropped just from pruning, the roots don’t stop growing, and the tree doesn’t die from a typical pruning event. The result is a burst of new shoots, not immediate decline.