What is a major consequence of stress due to excessive pruning?

Excessive pruning can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases in trees. When a tree is pruned heavily, it can become stressed, which can weaken its overall health and resilience. This stress may impair the tree's ability to produce essential defensive compounds that help it fend off insects and pathogens. Additionally, the removal of a large number of leaves reduces the tree's capacity for photosynthesis, further impacting its health.

In contrast, while excessive pruning may reduce leaf density, it ultimately compromises the tree's vitality and can lead to structural issues rather than strengthening branch structure. Increased photosynthesis typically requires adequate leaf mass, which excessive pruning diminishes, therefore not promoting the tree’s health in such cases. Thus, vulnerability to pests and diseases becomes a significant concern following excessive pruning activities.