What is the practice of removing dead or diseased wood from a tree called?

The practice of removing dead or diseased wood from a tree is known as pruning. Pruning is important for maintaining the health of trees and promoting new growth. It helps to prevent the spread of disease and allows for better air circulation and light penetration, which are essential for the tree's overall health.

Pruning can also improve the aesthetics of a tree by shaping its growth and encouraging desirable forms. It generally involves using specific techniques to remove branches without harming the overall structure of the tree. Understanding the proper methods and timing for pruning is essential for effective tree care.

The other terms do not specifically refer to this practice; cutting is a broad term that does not imply the care or health aspect of the tree, trimming usually refers to the removal of overgrown branches for appearance rather than health, and felling refers specifically to cutting down an entire tree rather than just managing its branches.