Back budding

Back-budding is a technique that can stimulate new growth on a tree, especially on bonsai trees. It involves pruning or pinching the apical growth, which is the growth at the end of a branch, to activate dormant buds that are closer to the trunk or the main branches. These dormant buds can develop into new branches that can fill gaps, replace lost branches, or create more foliage pads. Back-budding can also help balance the energy of the tree and improve its appearance. However, not all species of trees can back-bud, and some may only back-bud at the nodes, which are the points where leaves or branches attach to the stem. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of your tree before applying this technique.