Pruning is a horticultural and silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. In cannabis cultivation, pruning is a technique used to promote healthier growth and higher yields.

It’s Purpose

The main purpose is to shape the plant and direct its growth. By removing certain parts of the plant, growers can control the plant’s shape, size, and direction in which it grows. This can lead to more light exposure and better air circulation, which can result in a higher yield and healthier plants.

When to Prune

The best time to prune cannabis plants is during the vegetative stage. This is when the plant is growing the fastest, and it can recover quickly from the stress of pruning. It should be avoided during the flowering stage as it can stress the plant and potentially reduce yield.

How to Prune

It involves removing the lower branches (also known as “lollipopping”), which receive less light and can drain energy from the plant. It can also involve topping, which is the process of cutting off the top of the plant to encourage it to grow more branches.

Benefits

Pruning has several benefits in cannabis cultivation:

1. Increased Yield: By directing the plant’s energy towards the top branches, which receive the most light, pruning can lead to larger and denser buds, thus increasing yield.
2. Better Light Penetration: Removing lower branches can improve light penetration, ensuring that all parts of the plant receive adequate light.
3. Improved Air Circulation: Pruning can also improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of mold and pest infestations.
4. Controlled Growth: Pruning allows growers to control the size and shape of the plant, which can be particularly beneficial in indoor growing operations where space may be limited.

Pruning is a valuable technique in cannabis cultivation that, when done correctly, can lead to healthier plants and higher yields. However, it’s important to remember that over-pruning can stress the plant and potentially harm its growth. Therefore, growers should always use a careful and considered approach when pruning their plants.