Chapter 12: Pruning and Plant Growth

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 12 on Pruning in plant health and growth management.

Pruning

The practice of controlling plant size, shape, and health by removing parts of the plant.

Apical Dominance

The phenomenon where the main central stem of a plant grows more vigorously than the side stems.

Dwarfing Process

The method of limiting plant growth to create smaller plants, often seen in bonsai.

Revitalization

The process of stimulating growth in plants that may be unhealthy or underperforming.

Rejuvenation

A pruning technique used to promote new growth from older stems.

Hydrangeas Pruning Timing

Pruned to the ground in fall in colder areas.

Shearing

The process of trimming the tips of branches to create dense shapes like hedges or topiaries.

4 Ds of Plant Health

Dead, Dying, Diseased, Damaged - categories for parts of a plant that should be removed.

Thinning Cuts

Cuts made to reduce the density of branches, improving light penetration and air circulation.

Narrow Crotch Angles

Weak angles between branches that can lead to failures; they should be managed proactively.

Mugo Pines

A type of dwarf pine that is often used in landscape design.

Candling

The process of trimming young shoots in pines and spruces to promote growth.

Espalier

A pruning technique used to grow plants flat against a wall or trellis.

Bypass Pruners

A type of pruning tool recommended for making clean cuts without crushing branches.

3 Cut Method

Technique for removing large branches to prevent tearing of bark.

Outward Pointing Bud

The point where cuts should be made to encourage outward branch growth.

Pollarding

A pruning method used to allow new growth while managing tree height.

Open Center

A pruning shape that removes inner branches to allow light into the center of the tree.

Pinching

A method of pruning that disrupts apical dominance to promote branching.

Disbudding

A process that promotes apical dominance by removing buds.

Renewal Pruning

A severe pruning technique aimed at promoting vigorous new growth.

Root Pruning

The method of trimming roots to prepare plants for transplanting.

Auxins

Plant hormones that regulate growth and respond to gravity.

Gibberellin Activity

Hormonal activity that promotes stem elongation during plant growth.

Female Flowers in Squash

A greater ratio of female flowers can enhance yield in monoecious plants.

Seedless Fruit Set

The process of using hormones to create fruits without seeds.

Plant Phenotype

The observable characteristics of a plant determined by its genotype and environment.

Hormone Manipulation

The process of adjusting hormone levels in plants to control growth.

Growth Retardation

Techniques used to limit the size or growth rate of a plant.

Plant Health Management

The overall practice of ensuring plants are healthy through various horticultural techniques.

Timing of Pruning

Critical aspect of pruning; different plants have specific times when they should be pruned.