Professionals refer to pruning large branches or trunks as weeding or cutting, and this is an inappropriate pruning practice. In response to young branches and pointed branches, new growth develops from buds just below the cut. Cutting is the key to good pruning. As a general rule, always cut off a branch, twig, or bud that points in the direction you want the tree to grow.
This method promotes healthy, controlled new growth. If you're not sure if you should remove a branch, don't cut it. You can always cut it later, but you can never put it back on.
