why does removing a terminal bud cause a plant to get bushier?

Answer 1

Tom put it in simple terms-the terminal bud is responsible for the "up" growth of the plant-if removed the plant begins to grow sideways (bush out) The same if you remove the lateral buds-it would encourage the upwards growth.

Answer 2

normally plant growth is upwards because that is where the growth activity is taking place,at the terminal bud,if you nip or cut this then you have put an end to this. However growth must continue even without this terminal bud,so lateral buds take on the task,shooting out from the axil of lower leaves,giving a bushy look to the plant because now you have several growing stems instead of one.

Answer 3

The terminal bud is the apical meristem and contains plant hormones for green growth...when this terminal bud is pruned the plant must recreate a new series of apical shoots...thus creating a bushier habit as branching occurs.

Answer 4

It removes aan area that is taking in nutrients at a higher part of the plant and allows the plant to distribute them in an earlier part of the sap rising.