Pruning is the process of removing certain above-ground elements from a plant; in landscaping this process usually involves removal of diseased, non-productive, or otherwise unwanted portions from a plant. In nature, certain meteorological conditions such as wind, snow or seawater mist can conduct a natural pruning process. The purpose of anthropomorphic pruning is to shape the plant by controlling or directing plant growth, to maintain the health of the plant, or to increase the yield or quality of flowers and fruits.

In general the smaller the wound (smaller the branch that is cut) the less harm to the tree. It is therefore typically better to formative prune the tree when juvenile than try to cut off large branches on a mature tree.

There are also differences pertaining to pruning, involving roses, shrubs, hedges, fruit trees or amenity trees.

If a shrub is incorrectly pruned and a piece breaks off, it may not do much damage. However, if a tree next to the house is incorrectly pruned and a large branch falls from 50 feet (about 15 metres), it can be deadly.