Shoot systems are generally capable of producing unlimited numbers of branches. Only a small percentage of their axillary buds grow at any one time; the remainder lie dormant, perhaps for years, to act as points of reserve growth in case apical buds are destroyed by disease, frost, wind, or animals. They are also there, ready to grow, after gardeners prune their plants. New growth may appear even from tree stumps, arising from buds long hidden inside the bark.
