Pruning is the judicious removal of plant parts, the removal of plant parts with a reason. Training is directing the growth of a plant by pruning and/or fastening the stems or branches to a support structure. Training is sometimes referred to as formative pruning when pruning is the main means of controlling growth of a young plant as in most fruit trees. Most plants need some pruning throughout their growth but training is especially important for the young plant.

The objectives of this exercise are to learn the basic pruning cuts, pruning tools and techniques and to practice pruning and to learn about training plants.

• Observe the tools used in pruning.
• Observe the fruits and ornamentals that have been pruned and participate in pruning if seasonal.
• Participate in pruning and training a topiary for your plant collection.
• Participate in pruning and training a bonsai for your plant collection.
• Prune and groom the ornamentals that you have propagated for your houseplant collection to give them better shape, make them more dense, etc.

How to Prune Trees