Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which pruning technique focuses on removing branches that could cause damage or hinder the plant's health?

1. Crotch

2. Natural target

3. Random

4. Canopy

The correct answer is: Natural target

The natural target pruning technique is centered around improving the health and structure of a plant by removing branches that pose a risk to its well-being. This method focuses on identifying and eliminating branches that could potentially break, cross, or rub against each other, which might lead to injury or disease. By fostering a healthier growth environment, natural target pruning helps to maintain the overall vitality of the plant and promotes proper airflow, sunlight penetration, and access for maintenance. In contrast, the other techniques do not specifically aim at preventing damage or enhancing plant health. Crotch pruning generally refers to addressing the angles between branches, whereas random pruning lacks a systematic approach to target potential hazards. Canopy pruning does focus on the upper reaches of the plant but does not inherently prioritize damage prevention or health improvement in the same way that natural target pruning does.