THE OBJECTIVE OF PRUNING is to produce strong, healthy attractive plants. By understanding how, when and why to prune, and by following a few simple principles, this objective can be achieved. Reasons for Pruning The main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber. Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them, and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site... Get Your Copy Now.