Which statement best describes pruning?

Which statement best describes pruning?

• A. It is the removal of dead wood only.
• B. It is the removal of a portion of a plant to improve its appearance and health and to control its growth and shape.
• C. It is used only to increase flowering.
• D. It is used to shorten stems permanently.

Answer: (B)

Pruning is the selective removal of plant parts to influence growth, health, and form. The description that pruning involves removing a portion of a plant to improve its appearance and health and to control its growth and shape best captures the full purpose of pruning. It covers tidying and shaping, improving light and air circulation, removing damaged or diseased tissue, and directing future growth to achieve a desired size and silhouette. It isn’t limited to dead wood, it isn’t only about increasing flowering, and cuts aren’t inherently permanent in shortening stems—plants will often regrow as needed after pruning.

Pruning is the selective removal of plant parts to influence growth, health, and form. The description that pruning involves removing a portion of a plant to improve its appearance and health and to control its growth and shape best captures the full purpose of pruning. It covers tidying and shaping, improving light and air circulation, removing damaged or diseased tissue, and directing future growth to achieve a desired size and silhouette. It isn’t limited to dead wood, it isn’t only about increasing flowering, and cuts aren’t inherently permanent in shortening stems—plants will often regrow as needed after pruning.