What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
limbing
Example
The arborist is limbing the tree to improve its overall health. [limbing: present participle]
Example
We need to limb this tree to make it easier to mow the lawn. [limb: verb]
pruning
Example
I need to prune my rose bushes to encourage more blooms. [prune: verb]
Example
The gardener is pruning the hedges to keep them looking neat and tidy. [pruning: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pruning is more commonly used than limbing in everyday language. Pruning is a versatile term that can be used for various types of plants and purposes, while limbing is more specific to trees.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between limbing and pruning?
Both limbing and pruning are technical terms used in gardening and arboriculture. However, pruning is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while limbing is more specific and may be less common in everyday language.
