While it seems ____, or cutting back a plant or tree, seems counterintuitive, it actually strengthens it.

verb

1. To reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter

   "pruned the text"

2. To remove as superfluous

   "prune away all ornamentation"

3. To cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth

   "prune the branches"

4. To cut away what is unwanted or superfluous

noun

1. A pole bearing a curved blade for pruning plants

noun

1. A garden tool that is used for cutting off the branches of trees and bushes

   "a pair of pruning shears"