DIE BACK • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Die back

... good new fruit-bearing shoots if the roots are in good condition. It is desirable to remove surplus branches entirely rather than to cut back everything to a definite height, the branches to be removed being those which show disposition to die back and those which are running out too far so as to reduce the space between the trees or to interfere with branches from other trees. Branches which are failing above can in some cases be cut back to a strong thrifty lateral branch below. Shortening-in branches ...

— One Thousand Questions in California Agriculture Answered • E.J. Wickson