prune vs. trim

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #295 [color=blue]“Real Life: Outdoor Chores (1)”, question 6

Will you … the shrubs this weekend? We need to remove all of the old, dead leaves and branches so they look good again.

(a) prune
(b) blow
(c) rake
(d) mow

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #295 [color=blue]“Real Life: Outdoor Chores (1)”, answer 6

Will you prune the shrubs this weekend? We need to remove all of the old, dead leaves and branches so they look good again.

Correct answer: (a) prune

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
Will you mow the shrubs this weekend? We need to remove all of the old, dead leaves and branches so they look good again.
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sir please explain why prune has been used here

2

Prune (with regard to plants) means to remove dead or living branches, leaves etc. to encourage growth. Some people also prune shrubs, trees etc. to shape them so they look tidy or ornamental in some way.

3

Hello Linda,what’s the difference between trim and prune?

4

Hi StJordi

‘Trim’ has a wider context in the sense of making something shorter and is often used with the cutting of hair shorter. ‘Prune’ has a strong sense of cutting plants back so that they will grow and develop.

Alan

5

Hello,

We trim our hair, mustashe, beard or we trim a hedge. We need an other device to do it. And the result is the hair and the hedge will be evenly long.

trimmer for mustache, hair etc.

trimmer for hedges

We prune the dried branches or the vine, fruit-trees etc.

We use pruning scissors/shears.