1. the removal, close to the branch collar or flush with the stem, of side branches (live or dead) and multiple leaders from a standing tree —note 1. pruning is generally done on plantation trees to improve the tree or its timber, or on urban and rural trees to improve their aesthetics or health —note 2. green pruning is the removal of live branches, dry pruning is the removal of dead branches, and chemical pruning is the application of chemicals, e.g., plant-growth regulators, to the living tree to kill, suppress, or inhibit lateral shoots —see brashing, bud pruning, natural pruning 2. clipping to shape, e.g., for the Christmas tree market or for a topiary —see shearingThis definition last updated 08/04/2008