Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

What is the term for the practice of shaping trees and shrubs?

1. Pruning

2. Trimming

3. Thinning

4. Bonsai

The correct answer is: Pruning

The practice of shaping trees and shrubs is referred to as pruning. This technique involves selectively removing certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots, to promote healthy growth, improve flowering or fruiting, and enhance the overall appearance of the plant. Pruning can be crucial for maintaining the shape and structure of trees and shrubs, ensuring they remain healthy and aesthetically pleasing. While trimming and thinning are related practices, they have distinct differences. Trimming generally refers to cutting back foliage to achieve a neater appearance without a specific focus on the plant’s health or form, and is often more superficial than pruning. Thinning is a practice that involves removing entire branches or stems to reduce density and improve light penetration and air circulation within a plant, but it doesn’t necessarily focus on shaping. Bonsai, on the other hand, is a specific art form that involves cultivating miniature trees in containers, which may involve aspects of pruning but is not synonymous with the broader practice of shaping all trees and shrubs.