What type of cut is most efficient when reducing the length of temporary branches?

A heading cut is most efficient for reducing the length of temporary branches because it removes the terminal portions of the branches, promoting denser growth and encouraging branching from the remaining part. This technique effectively controls the length of the branches while stimulating new growth closer to the trunk or main framework of the tree.

In contrast, thinning cuts, which involve removing entire branches to reduce density, do not specifically address branch length and are typically used to improve light penetration and air circulation. Technique cuts and subordinating cuts are less applicable for simply shortening branches, as they serve different purposes, such as altering growth patterns or reducing competition among branches. Thus, for the goal of efficiently shortening temporary branches, a heading cut is the most suitable choice.