After pruning: removes 12.5% → retains 87.5%

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:22:25 +0000

After Pruning: How Removing Just 12.5% Boosts Tree Health and Growth Pruning is a crucial step in maintaining healthy, vibrant trees—whether in gardens, orchards, or urban landscapes. But what happens when you prune? Surprisingly, removing just 12.5% of a tree’s canopy—that’s just 87.5% left behind—can make a powerful difference. ### The Science Behind Minimal But Effective Pruning For decades, horticultural research has shown that strategic pruning, especially when removing only a fraction of the foliage, stimulates stronger growth, improves structural balance, and encourages better fruiting. The key is precision: cutting just enough to enhance the tree’s natural form without stressing it.