Defoliation, leaf pulling, lollipopping, or upskirting—pruning is a crucial part of optimizing your cannabis grow. At Tecto, we simply call it pruning, and through our extensive research, we’ve discovered something game-changing: when you prune matters as much as how you prune.
Pruning isn’t just about cutting leaves or branches; it’s about carefully timing those cuts to optimize how the plant directs its energy. In the early flowering stage, the plant’s focus shifts from growing foliage to developing buds. Proper pruning at just the right moment ensures that the plant redirects its energy away from unnecessary leaves and towards producing bigger, denser flowers.
In our first major test using machine learning, we analyzed data from 80 harvests and found a striking insight. Prior to this study, conventional wisdom suggested that growers had a broad window to complete their pruning, typically between day 12 and day 18 of flowering. Many assumed that anywhere within that window would suffice to maximize plant health and yield.
However, our data told a different story.
The Science Behind Pruning Timing
Using data-driven insights from our machine learning systems, we discovered that there’s a critical two-day window—centered around day 14 of flowering—where pruning has the most significant impact on yield. If this window is missed, the consequences can be substantial.
The Cost of Missed Pruning
Missing that small window doesn’t just cause a minor fluctuation in yield. Our data showed that if pruning isn’t completed around day 14, growers could experience up to a 20% reduction in yield, resulting in potentially massive loss in revenue.
The Future of Data-Driven Pruning
At Tecto, we’re not just about yield optimization; we’re about giving growers the tools to make every aspect of their operation more efficient and profitable. Our data-driven approach ensures that you’re not only getting the best out of your plants but also maximizing every dollar spent on cultivation. As we continue to refine our machine learning models, we will provide even more precise recommendations for critical activities like pruning.’
Pruning matters. When you prune matters even more. And staying on schedule is critical for maximizing yield and profitability. At Tecto, we’re here to ensure you have the tools and data you need to hit every key window, every time.
