What does 'pruning' involve in horticulture?

Pruning involves the selective removal of specific parts of a plant, such as branches or buds, to improve its health, encourage growth, and increase productivity. This practice is essential in horticulture as it helps shape the plant, control its size, and promote air circulation and light penetration within the foliage. By carefully choosing which parts to remove, horticulturists can stimulate new growth, enhance flowering or fruiting, and remove any dead or diseased materials that could hinder the plant's overall vitality. Pruning is a skill that requires knowledge of plant biology and timing to maximize the benefits for the plant, making it an important technique for gardeners and cultivators.