It refers to a branch that has inharmoniously grown too long and strong in momentum among branches of a tree. Because of its imperfection such as throwing other branches into disorder and making it difficult for flower buds to develop, it is destined to be removed. Those which grow rapidly in autumn at the expense of other branches need to be cut off early. A number of branches, however, are left intact according to the need, for the sake of thickening branches and trunks.

translated by Kyodo News