What is the practice of cutting back a plant to encourage new growth and improve the shape called?

The practice of cutting back a plant to encourage new growth and improve its shape is known as pruning. This horticultural technique involves selectively removing specific parts of the plant, such as branches and stems, which not only promotes healthy growth but also enhances the overall appearance of the plant. By eliminating dead or overgrown branches, pruning opens up the plant to more sunlight and air circulation, leading to a more robust and vigorous growth pattern. Additionally, regular pruning can prevent the plant from becoming too large or unwieldy, allowing for better management in garden settings.

While thinning involves the removal of entire plants or branches to reduce competition and increase airflow, it does not primarily aim at shaping the individual plant. Trimming generally refers to cutting back plants to maintain their size and shape but lacks the specific intent of stimulating new growth that pruning emphasizes. Shearing, on the other hand, usually refers to the practice of cutting plants evenly to form a shape, often resulting in a more uniform and formal appearance, which may not support the natural growth patterns as effectively as pruning.