clean-remote-worktrees

To clean up orphaned remote worktree branches, you can use a script that classifies remote branches by PR state and deletes those whose most recent PR is merged. This sweeps stale remote refs without altering local state.

Deleting remote worktree branches does not affect local worktrees. The cleanup process operates only on remote branches discovered from origin, ensuring local state remains entirely intact and safe.

Branch classification identifies remote worktrees to delete by checking PR state. It deletes only branches with a MERGED PR status, skipping OPEN, CLOSED-not-merged, and no-PR branches to ensure safe batch deletion.

Yes, you need gh and jq to automate remote branch cleanup. These dependencies are required alongside git to query PR states and process JSON data for classifying and deleting orphaned worktree branches.

The best way to batch delete merged worktree branches is using a dedicated delete script with safety checks. It targets only merged PR branches from origin, supporting both interactive and automated cleanup contexts.

Orphaned worktree branches are left on the remote after a PR merge due to crashes or merge operations that skipped the delete step. These stale branches persist on origin until explicitly classified and swept.