Pruning is the process of removing dead or damaged plant parts, restricting growth where necessary, and shaping plants for their desired form. This is done primarily for aesthetic purposes, to manage the size of a tree or shrub, improve the health of the plant, and in the case of fruit trees to enhance crop production. Pruning is both a science and an art. The correct techniques are critical for ensuring safe, sound, and healthy plant structures. The goal of pruning is to shape the plants in a way that best suits the property, lifestyle and landscape design goals of the owner.
Pruning of a tree or shrub is most beneficial when performed regularly throughout the growing season. Regular pruning removes dead or diseased wood, thins out the canopy allowing for better light penetration and airflow, and prevents the buildup of water and ice on the branches and stems which can lead to damage and breakage. It is also important to prune out crossing or rubbing branches to reduce the weight of limbs, and remove suckers, water sprouts, and other unwanted growth from woody plants.
Prune shrubby evergreens into their natural growth habit, rather than shearing them into tight, geometrical forms. Shearing ruins the natural beauty of the plant, and can actually reduce its health by blocking sunlight and inhibiting light penetration.
A well-maintained landscape is more than just a beautiful sight. Weak or overgrown branches can break off in storms or high winds, posing a danger to pedestrians and vehicles and causing damage to nearby buildings or structures. Pruning keeps limbs from overhanging homes, sidewalks, streets and parking lots, where they can create safety hazards.
Pruning also supports wildlife habitats by promoting the availability of food and shelter. It can help control insect and disease problems by reducing the population of these organisms in the tree or shrub.
In the case of fruit trees, pruning promotes good crop production by removing competing branches and limbs that are bearing unripe or small fruits, as well as thinning out the canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the inner branches. It is important to maintain proper pollination and fruit set to ensure maximum yields.
Pruning tools should be kept clean and sharp to ensure a neat, clean cut, which will result in fewer wounds that can lead to disease or insect infestations. Regular cleaning and oiling of the blades and other cutting edges will help keep them in good working order. The use of pruning paints or dressings is generally discouraged as it seals in moisture, which can impede the normal re-growth of the bark ridge and subsequent woundwood, and may also encourage the spread of disease organisms from one branch to another.
source https://standfasttreeservices1.wordpress.com/2025/07/04/pruning-a-science-and-an-art/
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