Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Plants that have been clipped or pruned into two-dimensional forms are referred to as?

1. A. Dynamic

2. B. Balanced

3. C. Espalier

4. D. Topiary

The correct answer is: C. Espalier

Plants that have been clipped or pruned into two-dimensional forms are referred to as espaliers. This technique involves training woody plants, typically fruit trees or ornamental shrubs, to grow flat against a wall or fence. The process allows for creative designs often used in garden aesthetics and helps to save space, making it practical for small areas. Espaliers not only serve as decorative elements but also can enhance the growth and fruit production of the plants when done properly. Topiary, while it might seem similar because it also involves pruning, refers to plants shaped into three-dimensional forms, such as animals or geometric shapes, rather than two-dimensional layouts. Hence, the distinction lies in the dimensionality and style of pruning applied. The other terms, like dynamic and balanced, do not specifically describe this particular pruning and training technique.