Subordination
/sub-OR-dih-NAY-shun/🌲 Arboriculture●● Intermediate
Also known as: subordinate pruning, leader subordination
Subordination is a structural pruning technique where competing leaders or co-dominant stems are shortened (reduction cut) rather than completely removed. By removing a portion of the competing stem, its growth rate slows compared to the retained leader, allowing the preferred stem to establish dominance. This is less traumatic than complete removal and is particularly important in young tree training.
Etymology
From Latin subordinare (to place in a lower order)
Example
“The arborist subordinated the competing leader with a reduction cut, allowing the central leader to gain dominance.”