Taming the Tall: How Washington Cannabis Growers Shape Their Plants for Success

When you think of Washington, towering evergreens and misty mountain ranges come to mind. But in  backyards, basements, and greenhouses, another kind of tall, green plant often steals the spotlight: cannabis. If you’re growing at home in Washington, you’ve probably noticed that these plants love to stretch. Left untamed, they can grow tall and lanky, making them hard to manage and less productive. The good news? With the right techniques, you can shape your plants into compact, bushy powerhouses that thrive in Washington’s unique environment.

This guide will walk you through the why and the how of plant-shaping, so you can harvest big, healthy yields without letting your cannabis grow out of control.

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Why Washington Growers Need to Shape Their Plants

1. Space Matters – Whether you’re growing outdoors in a backyard or indoors under lights, Washington growers often deal with limited space. Shaping techniques keep your plants manageable.

2. Climate Considerations – Washington’s cooler temps and wet fall weather can increase the risk of mold. Bushier, better-ventilated plants help reduce this risk.

3. Bigger Harvests – Instead of one towering cola, shaping encourages multiple bud sites, giving you more usable flower at harvest.

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Key Techniques for Taming the Tall

Here are the tried-and-true methods Washington homegrowers use to keep their plants in check:

1. Low-Stress Training (LST)

• How it works: Bend branches outward and tie them down gently with garden ties or soft wire.

• Why it’s great for WA: Outdoors, this keeps plants low and stealthy; indoors, it helps maximize light coverage.

• Quick Tip: Start early in veg—young branches bend more easily.

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2. Topping

• How it works: Cut off the very top growth node to split one main cola into two.

• Why it’s great for WA: Encourages a bushier plant that can better resist wind and rain outdoors.

• Quick Tip: Don’t top autoflowers—stick with photoperiod plants for this technique.

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3. Fimming (aka “FIM” cut)

• How it works: Similar to topping, but instead of cutting the entire top, you only snip part of it.

• Why it’s great for WA: Produces multiple tops instead of just two, increasing bud sites.

• Quick Tip: Works best indoors where you can carefully control the plant’s recovery time.

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4. Supercropping

• How it works: Gently pinch and bend stems until they soften, then let them heal in a new position.

• Why it’s great for WA: Strengthens stems against heavy fall rains and wind, while opening the canopy for airflow.

• Quick Tip: Use this only on healthy plants, as it can stress weaker ones.

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5. Screen of Green (ScrOG)

• How it works: Place a net or screen above your plants and train branches to grow horizontally through the mesh.

• Why it’s great for WA: Perfect for indoor growers who want to maximize yield in small spaces.

• Quick Tip: Keep tucking branches under the screen during veg for a flat, even canopy.

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Outdoor vs. Indoor Shaping in Washington

• Outdoor Growers: Focus on airflow and resilience. The wet fall means mold is your biggest enemy. Keep plants spread out, and don’t let them turn into dense, damp jungles.

• Indoor Growers: Maximize your lights. Every branch should have its moment in the spotlight, which makes LST, topping, and ScrOG especially useful.

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Tools You’ll Need

• Soft plant ties or garden wire

• Sharp, clean scissors or pruners

• A trellis net or ScrOG screen (if growing indoors)

• Stakes for outdoor support (especially in Washington’s windy areas)

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In Washington, the difference between a struggling, stretched-out cannabis plant and a bushy, bountiful harvest often comes down to shaping. By using simple techniques like LST, topping, and supercropping, you can tame those tall plants and set yourself up for success—rain or shine.

So, grab your garden ties, sharpen your scissors, and get ready to sculpt your plants into productive works of art. After all, in the Evergreen State, there’s no reason your cannabis can’t be just as strong and beautiful as the towering trees it grows alongside.

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👉 Our goal is to share easy-to-follow tips, local insights, and a few laughs along the way so you can get the most out of your plants—whether you’re growing a single pot on the porch or filling out a backyard garden. Think of us as your friendly neighbor who just happens to know a whole lot about weed. 🌱 Check out our website for other tips on growing great weed right at home in Washington.