How to Prune Marijuana Plants

Pruning is one of the best ways to control and direct the growth of marijuana plants. Properly pruning cannabis plants can lead to greater yields, better flavor, and a more enjoyable smoking experience. Pruning involves removing unwanted leaves and growth so the plant can focus its energy on other important areas. Carefully removing leaves and branches will encourage faster growth and maximize the crop's potential.

Growers should know when and how to prune cannabis plants to cultivate the heaviest, best-quality yields. This guide shares the best practices for pruning marijuana plants to ensure a bountiful harvest. Keep reading to learn all about pruning cannabis.

Why Prune Marijuana Plants

Pruning is the process in which small sections of plants are removed to promote healthy growth. There are multiple reasons for pruning marijuana plants. Pruning removes branches and leaves that are damaged, dead or do not receive much light. Buds will be of better quality if the plant is receiving proper sun exposure. Pruning dead or diseased branches will allow the plant to redirect its energy from unproductive foliage to essential areas, including flowers and buds. Prune yellow leaves, too, because they will negatively affect the plant growth and waste the plant's resources.

Pruning creates an open space in the middle of the plant, which allows air to flow through the plant more freely. Better airflow and light penetration keep the plant healthy and enable it to produce quality buds. Moreover, pruning improves the plant's aesthetic appeal by encouraging an even canopy. When you prune the cannabis, examine the plants closely to assess their health and look for nutrient deficiencies, soil issues, and pests.

The benefits of pruning marijuana plants include:

• Greater yields
• Better light penetration
• Improved nutrient distribution
• Increased air circulation
• Better smoking experience
• Control over plant shape and size

Read More: When to Harvest Your Cannabis Plants

When to Prune Marijuana Plants

Pruning is done in the vegetative growth stage before the plant matures and is ready to flower. However, the plant should be well-established (around 12 inches or 30 cm tall) in the vegetative phase before pruning. When the plant starts to take a bushy shape, start pruning.

As your plant grows and bushes out, you will get a better sense of its shape and entire canopy. This will help you know where the quality buds will grow so you can prune the unnecessary parts of the plant. Careful pruning during the vegetative state will not affect flowering.

Once the plants reach the flowering phase, stop the pruning, as it can reduce the size and quality of buds. Pruning mature plants approaching the flowering stage isn't recommended, as heavy pruning at this stage can delay or stop the onset of flowering. However, some light pruning can be performed to clean yellow leaves and small bottom branches that receive little light.

How to Prune Marijuana Plants

The pruning process requires good-quality garden gloves and a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears. Fiskars Pro Pruning Shears are the best sharp pruners on the market to cut stems, leaves, and branches comfortably. Expert growers have multiple pairs of pruning shears of different sizes designed to prune different growth levels. Keep your shears and scissors sharp to make clean, swift snips that don't cause damage to the plant.

Once your pruners are ready, start pruning the plants. Here is a step-by-step method to prune your marijuana plants.

Top or Trim the Central Stalk

Topping is trimming the central stalk of a cannabis plant to encourage a bushy and laterally spreading plant instead of a tall plant. This is one of the common pruning techniques, and it is done when the plant reaches its desired length. Axial branches will develop beneath the point where the stalk is removed. This practice alters the weed plant's growth trajectory.

Remove Large Branches and Leaves

Look for larger branches blocking the plant's airflow or growing in the wrong direction. A branch growing inward of the plant rather than outward can block the growth of other branches. Cut the thick, larger branches and leaves first to promote instant airflow by clearing out space. Make the cuts clean at a 45-degree angle and close to the stem. Once the larger branches are removed, it will be easier to focus on smaller details.

Cut off Shaded Branches

Remove the leaves and buds that are not getting enough light. Additionally, cut off the branches in the middle of the plant, as they will get shaded out and will never become healthy, fully developed buds.

Prune Small, Yellow, or Diseased-looking Branches and Leaves

Now, remove any small, brown, or dying tissue. Remove the diseased leaves completely to prevent any infections from spreading.

Check the Plant and Give Time for Recovery

Once you have finished pruning, check the plant to ensure all branches receive enough sunlight and are not blocking other branches. It is crucial to remember that the excessive removal of branches and leaves can be a significant stressor and inhibit the plant's growth and bud development. Prune marijuana plants slowly over a few days to prevent stressing and shocking the plant. New shoots and foliage may start to appear within a week. Once the plant has recovered, you can prune it again.

What to do after Pruning Your Marijuana Plants

Pruning can be a shock for your marijuana plant. Therefore, they need special care after pruning for a successful recovery.

Here are some expert tips to help your plants react well to pruning.

• Abstain from overly interacting with plants so as not to overstress your plants during their recovery time.
• Following the pruning, make sure the plants receive plenty of water and light for better growth.
• Maintain ideal growing conditions such as optimal temperature, humidity levels, and light for healthy growth.
• Irrigate plants precisely and adequately using a drip irrigation system. Avoid overwatering, as this can increase the risk of disease.

Read More: Ideal Grow Room Conditions for Cannabis

Tips for Pruning Marijuana Plants Effectively

Here are some additional tips for trimming or pruning your cannabis plants properly.

• Always wear garden gloves before pruning to prevent hand injuries and protect your hands from the plant's sticky resin.
• Avoid removing too many leaves at once during pruning.
• Use sharp, sanitized tools to avoid damaging the stems and branches.
• Remove diseased branches and foliage properly to prevent
• Use a magnifying glass to examine the plant's leaves for pests and diseases.

The Bottom Line

Pruning is an excellent technique to maximize the production of marijuana plants. The primary goal of this practice is to redirect the plant's energy to quality buds and flower formation to get the desired yields. To perform this practice effectively, growers must know how to prune cannabis and follow all the steps and advice we have mentioned in this guide. Although pruning may seem difficult initially, it is an easy and rewarding process to help your plants grow stronger and healthier. So, wear your gloves, grab pruning shears, and prune your marijuana plants before they reach the flowering stage- it will make a significant difference in the final product.

DripWorks offers high-quality cannabis irrigation supplies. Whether you're looking for irrigation products for successful outdoor cannabis cultivation or an indoor drip irrigation system for a cannabis greenhouse, you can find a wide range of products here for the best gardening experience.