The branches develop through primary, secondary and tertiary ramifications. In general the first one third of the branch is kept free of secondary branches, the second one third has distinct secondary branches on alternate sides, and the final peripheral section contains a diffused section of multiple twigs.

Secondary branches grow from the main primary branch and give rise to tertiary shoots.

While building up the branches we prune for taper and direction in the primary branch line. Wire is used to train the branch downwards, and new leaders are wired to form convincing extensions. Secondary branches, as they appear, are treated in a similar manner. A branch develops full form when tertiaries and sub-tertiaries appear. These are attended to by soft-pruning and pinching.

The angles at which different branches arise from the trunk should be similar-the natural habit of the species is a useful guide. Ficus branches,for instance,can show an initial upward movement and then flatten or plunge downwards.

The white line shows the domed branch profile being aimed for.

Branch profiles seen from the front can be flattened or domed.Profiles are developed by choosing the secondary and tertiary branch directions while pruning and wiring them lightly into place.

New growth can only arise from nodes.Shoots put out one or two close nodes and then extend into longer internodes.In areas where extension is wanted, such as the first third of a primary branch, the shoot can be allowed to extend and pruned back when semi- hardened to use two or three nodes.

The nodes are indicated by the black arrows.

In areas where close growth is wanted the aim is to keep the nodes close together and pruning down to the first or second node is required.
Peripheral areas where extremely close growth is wanted require nimble pinching of the terminal buds before the shoot can extend.
Pruning during monsoons needs special attention as monsoon growth is often too vigorous with long inter-nodes.