Which type of pruning cut removes only a portion of a stem, typically between two buds or nodes?

The type of pruning cut that removes only a portion of a stem, typically between two buds or nodes, is known as a heading cut. This cut is made to encourage growth between the cut and the nearest bud, stimulating new growth that can lead to a fuller plant. The heading cut is commonly used in maintenance pruning to shape plants, control size, and promote denser foliage.

Heading cuts are particularly useful for promoting branching and can be applied to various types of shrubs and trees to maintain their size and health. This cut can influence the direction of growth by effectively redirecting energy to the remaining buds, leading to more robust and vigorous new growth from those points.

In contrast, thinning cuts remove entire branches or stems to decrease density and open up the canopy, while concave cuts involve removing a branch at its base with a specific technique intended to promote healing. Rejuvenation cuts, on the other hand, involve cutting back a plant significantly to encourage new growth from the ground level, often utilized for older or overgrown plants.

Understanding the various types of pruning cuts and their effects is essential for effective landscaping and plant care. This knowledge helps in making precise decisions about how to manage plant growth and health over time.