I used to work with bonsai and as we know, that is severely pruned branches and roots of potted plants/trees. I've never heard of covering a branch to send energy to the trunk/roots before pruning. Generally, when you cut a branch , the roots which have a balanced relationship with branches and leaves will degenerate somewhat since they don't get as much sugars produced in the leaves you cut off. Alternatively, if you chop the roots, some leaves may shrivel since they don't get as much water and nutrients from roots now. You want leaves and roots to be in balance for a healthy tree no matter if in ground, big pot , or small pot. Like Millet said, why cut the branch off? When we prune, it's for a reason.