Delete a Git Worktree

Deleting a worktree removes its filesystem directory and deregisters it from Git. WorktreeWise gives you deliberate control over whether the associated Git branch is kept or deleted alongside the folder, with built-in safeguards to prevent accidental data loss.

Deletion Scopes

When initiating a deletion from the Worktree Actions menu, WorktreeWise provides two deletion scopes:

Delete scope choices

Scope	Filesystem Directory	Git Branch	Best Used For
Delete Only Worktree	Permanently removed from disk	Preserved intact in repository history	Merged pull requests or finished tasks where you want to keep commit history or check out the branch again later.
Delete Worktree and Branch	Permanently removed from disk	Deleted (`git branch -D`)	Temporary spike investigations, discarded experiments, or branches already merged and deleted on remote.

Selecting Delete Worktree and Branch permanently removes the local Git branch reference. Ensure all important commits have been pushed to an upstream repository before confirming.

How to Delete a Worktree

In the Worktrees panel, locate the worktree you want to delete.
Select the three-dot Actions menu and choose Delete.
Select your desired scope: Delete Only Worktree or Delete Worktree and Branch.
Select Delete to confirm.

Handling Uncommitted Changes (`--force` Protection)

Git protects against accidental data loss by refusing to delete any worktree that contains uncommitted modifications, staged changes, or untracked files.

If WorktreeWise detects uncommitted changes during deletion:

It halts the standard deletion flow.
A high-visibility confirmation dialog appears:

“Changes have been found in the worktree. Confirm deletion of this worktree [and local branch]?”
You can choose:
- No: Cancels the deletion so you can open the worktree in a terminal or IDE, inspect changes, and commit or stash them.
- Yes (Danger): Instructs WorktreeWise to apply Git’s --force flag, discarding all uncommitted files and completing the deletion.

Safety Safeguards & Restrictions

Primary Worktree Immunity: The repository’s primary (main) worktree can never be deleted. Its delete action is permanently disabled.
Lock Protection: Any worktree marked with an administrative lock cannot be deleted. Unlock the worktree first before deleting.
Active Process Checks: Before deleting, ensure no embedded terminals, development servers, or AI agent sessions are actively running inside the folder to avoid file-locking errors.

Lock a Git Worktree: Protect worktrees from accidental deletion.
Prune Damaged Worktrees: Remove orphaned worktree records whose folders are already gone.
Worktree Overview Dashboard: Monitor clean and dirty worktrees across your repository.