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Needle plucking and cutting achieves the same purpose, namely: promotes backbudding, redistributes energy, increases ramification, reduces needle lenght, improves the shape and overall look of the tree.

The reason why we perform plucking on one pine species and cutting on other is that some species have more sensitive needles then others. Generally, on black pines we can perform plucking without damaging the latent bud at the base of its needle. With other pines, such as certain cultivars of the white pine (p. parviflora) plucking can damage the latend bud, so cutting and leaving a small stub at the base of the needle is preferable (the stub will fall off shortly after). Proper plucking also depends on the skill of the person. Some can pluck without doing any damage, others are not so skilled.

If in doubt, it is always safer to cut.

3-Dec-2005	#3
Attila Attila Soos Join Date: Jan-2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Country: USA Posts: 1,980	Needle plucking and cutting achieves the same purpose, namely: promotes backbudding, redistributes energy, increases ramification, reduces needle lenght, improves the shape and overall look of the tree. The reason why we perform plucking on one pine species and cutting on other is that some species have more sensitive needles then others. Generally, on black pines we can perform plucking without damaging the latent bud at the base of its needle. With other pines, such as certain cultivars of the white pine (p. parviflora) plucking can damage the latend bud, so cutting and leaving a small stub at the base of the needle is preferable (the stub will fall off shortly after). Proper plucking also depends on the skill of the person. Some can pluck without doing any damage, others are not so skilled. If in doubt, it is always safer to cut.