What is cycle pruning primarily focused on?

Cycle pruning is primarily focused on the practice of reducing or removing branches to laterals or parent stems. This technique is used to manage tree growth, improve tree structure, and enhance overall health while maintaining the natural shape of the tree. By cutting branches back to a lateral branch or the main stem, cycle pruning encourages a balanced distribution of foliage and can help reduce the risk of branch failure by alleviating excess weight from the crown. This method is particularly valuable in utility arboriculture, where maintaining clearance from power lines and ensuring safe access are paramount.

In contrast, completely removing the crown is not characteristic of cycle pruning, as it would significantly alter the tree's structure and health. Encouraging only new growth would disregard the importance of maintaining the tree's form and structure through careful reductions. Enhancing tree height, while desirable in some scenarios, is not the primary aim of cycle pruning; rather, it is about managing growth effectively to balance the tree's health and structural integrity.