Heading Cut
/HED-ing KUT/🌲 Arboriculture●● Intermediate
Also known as: heading back
A type of pruning cut that shortens a branch by cutting to an indeterminate point — not at a lateral branch or node. Heading cuts stimulate dense regrowth of multiple shoots just below the cut, often producing weak attachments. Generally avoided in arboriculture except on young hedges or topiary. Contrast with thinning cuts.
Etymology
English head (the top) + cut
Example
“Avoid heading cuts on mature trees — they produce clusters of weakly attached watersprouts prone to failure.”