How to Prune

Pruning skills begin with a basic understanding of how plants respond to pruning cuts. Unlike sculpture, in which the sculptor’s goal is attained as soon as the last cut is made, all pruning is training, and the plant grows to match the pruner’s vision as a response to the pruning cuts.

The craft of pruning involves, like all crafts, an understanding of the tools of the trade, how to use them safely and effectively, and how to care for them. Also like all crafts, it involves an understanding of the materials — in this case, the plants.