Pruning is an important part of landscape maintenance. Although pruning may be straightforward and quite simple, poor or incorrect pruning will often lead to serious problems, including premature death of the plant.

REASONS FOR PRUNING

To Remove:

Hazards from trees and shrubs
Dead wood
Unwanted sprouts
Weak, rubbing, crossed or broken branches

To Provide:

Clearance for vehicles, pedestrians and utility lines

To Promote:

New growth and better health
Good branch structure

To Improve:

Landscape aesthetics
The canopy by opening it up to stimulate growth and improve flowering/fruit production
A view/visibility

For examples and more, use the link below to download the PDF.

Robinson, M. L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2013, Introduction to Pruning, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-13

Printable Version (PDF)

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – African mustard African mustard is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., H. Kratsch, Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Composting Yard and Vegetable Wastes Composting is an effective way to take organic materials from landfills and use them to improve soil health. This fact sheet covers the reasons for composting and the basics of getting compost started. Donaldson, S., and Hefner, Melody 2009, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-16

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Introduction to Pruning