diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index aacb1acd..39248965 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -2,6 +2,20 @@
 Thank you for opening a PR! Please take the time to fill in the details below.
 -->
 
+## Target branch
+
+<!--
+This repository uses a main/dev branching model. Please confirm that
+your PR targets the correct branch:
+
+- `dev`: all development work (features, docs, dependency updates, etc.)
+- `release-x.y`: bug fixes for a specific supported release
+
+Do not target `main` directly; maintainers manage it via merges and cherry-picks.
+-->
+
+- [ ] I have verified this PR targets the correct branch (see [branching strategy](https://github.com/redhat-developer/rhdh-local/blob/HEAD/docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md#branching-model))
+
 ## Description
 <!--
 Please explain the changes you made here.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 97399e7a..eb93746a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -90,7 +90,13 @@ To report issues against this repository, please use [JIRA](https://issues.redha
 
 To browse the existing issues, you can use this [Query](https://issues.redhat.com/issues/?filter=-4&jql=project%20%3D%20%22Red%20Hat%20Internal%20Developer%20Platform%22%20%20AND%20component%20%3D%20%22RHDH%20Local%22%20AND%20resolution%20%3D%20Unresolved%20ORDER%20BY%20status%2C%20priority%2C%20updated%20%20%20%20DESC).
 
-Contributions are welcome!
+Contributions are welcome! This repository uses a `main`/`dev` branching model:
+
+- **`main`** (default branch) tracks the latest stable GA release of RHDH. Maintainers manage this branch; do not target PRs to `main` directly.
+- **`dev`** tracks the upcoming RHDH release (`next` tag). All development PRs should target `dev`.
+- **`release-x.y`** branches are used for release stabilization and bug fixes for a specific supported release.
+
+See the [built-in Contributing guide](./docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md) for details.
 
 
 ## Breaking changes and known issues
diff --git a/docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md b/docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md
index f6517232..db6db11c 100644
--- a/docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md
+++ b/docs/rhdh-local-guide/help-and-contrib.md
@@ -95,6 +95,27 @@ We actively encourage contributions of all types! Here's how you can help:
 - **Create example setups** for specific scenarios
 - **Document best practices** from real-world usage
 
+### Branching Model
+
+This repository uses a `main`/`dev` branching model to separate stable content from active development:
+
+| Branch | Purpose | Tracks |
+|---|---|---|
+| **`main`** (default) | Latest stable GA release of RHDH | Current GA RHDH version |
+| **`dev`** | Active development for the upcoming RHDH release | RHDH `next` tag |
+| **`release-x.y`** | Release stabilization and patch releases | Specific RHDH version |
+
+#### Which branch should my PR target?
+
+| Change type | Target branch |
+|---|---|
+| All development work (features, docs, dependency updates, etc.) | `dev` |
+| Bug fixes for a specific supported release | `release-x.y` |
+
+Do not target `main` directly. Maintainers manage `main` via merges and cherry-picks.
+
+At Feature Freeze, a `release-x.y` branch is created from `dev` for stabilization. At GA, the release branch is merged into `main`, so `main` always reflects the latest stable RHDH release. Maintainers cherry-pick changes to `main` when appropriate (e.g., version-independent fixes that should not wait until the next GA).
+
 ### Contribution Workflow
 
 #### 1. Prepare Your Environment
@@ -106,9 +127,10 @@ git clone https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/rhdh-local.git && cd rhdh-local
 
 # Add upstream remote for staying current
 git remote add upstream https://github.com/redhat-developer/rhdh-local.git
+git fetch upstream
 
-# Create a development branch
-git checkout -b feature/my-contribution
+# Create a branch from dev (see "Which branch should my PR target?" above)
+git checkout -b feature/my-contribution upstream/dev
 ```
 
 #### 2. Development Guidelines
diff --git a/renovate.json b/renovate.json
index 5db72dd6..a9d37e79 100644
--- a/renovate.json
+++ b/renovate.json
@@ -2,5 +2,8 @@
   "$schema": "https://docs.renovatebot.com/renovate-schema.json",
   "extends": [
     "config:recommended"
+  ],
+  "baseBranches": [
+    "dev"
   ]
 }