What should be done to induce branching in plants during pruning?

Inducing branching in plants during pruning is commonly achieved by pinching out the tips of new growth. This technique encourages lateral buds to develop, which leads to a fuller and bushier plant. When the growing tip is removed, it disrupts the apical dominance that a plant experiences, where the main central stem grows more vigorously than the others. By pinching, you promote the growth of side shoots, leading to denser branching.

The other approaches, such as removing long limbs or cutting back to the main trunk, typically focus on reducing plant size or removing undesirable growth rather than promoting new branches. Shaping the plant into a rounded form may alter its appearance but does not effectively encourage branching. Therefore, pinching out the tips of new growth is the most effective method for encouraging branching and enhancing the overall vigor and aesthetic of the plant.