nedklipping

Nedklipping is a pruning technique used in horticulture and forestry, involving the removal of the lower portions of a plant’s shoots or canopy. The practice aims to improve structure, light penetration, air circulation, and overall plant health by removing crowded or shaded growth at the base and removing damaged tissue.

The term derives from Dutch, where ned means “down” or “lower” and klipping means clipping or pruning. In practice, nedklipping covers selective removal of the lower leaves, branches, or stem sections to achieve a desired plant form or to promote healthier growth in the upper parts.

Applications of nedklipping occur across multiple contexts. Fruit trees may be pruned to encourage strong upright growth and to allocate resources to fruiting wood. Ornamental shrubs and hedges are shaped to maintain form and openness. In bonsai and some houseplants, nedklipping helps control proportion and stimulates ramification. It is also used in field crops to reduce excess basal growth that can harbor pests or disease.

Technique and procedure involve careful assessment of the plant’s health and goals. Tools should be sharp and clean. Remove dead, diseased, or crowded lower tissue first, then trim lower branches or leaves to open the canopy. Cuts are typically made at a clean angle just above a node or bud, avoiding damage to healthy tissue. Aftercare includes regular monitoring, appropriate watering, and allowing the plant to recover before any further drastic reductions.

Effects and cautions: nedklipping can improve light distribution, air flow, and disease resistance, but it can stress a plant if overdone or performed at an unsuitable time. Not all species respond well to this technique, and the amount removed should be tailored to the plant’s vigor and growth stage.

See also: pruning, canopy management, plant training.