Centre young plants 3–5 months after planting by cutting the main stem, leaving 8–10 mature leaves; tip at 35 cm and again at 60 cm. Pruning keeps bushes at a convenient height and removes dead and diseased wood — done in April–May (south-west monsoon areas) or August–September (north-east monsoon areas). The source gives the pruning interval in years as (elevation in feet ÷ 1000) + 1, and describes rejuvenation, hard, medium and light pruning and skiffing. Pollard shade trees at 8–10 m before heavy rains.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tea – Training young tea; pruning; shade regulation, pp. 194–195
