Reducing vigor in stronger areas can help balance the overall vigor of the tree. When taking the needle-plucking approach, this means we leave fewer needles in strong areas and more needles in weak areas. The weakest areas – shoots with 1-3 pairs of needles – are generally left alone.
- Strong areas – leave 3-7 pairs
- Medium areas – leave 5-9 pairs
- Weak areas – leave 7-12 pairs