Snoei

Snoei is a Dutch term that designates the practice of pruning or trimming plants. It is the noun form of the verb snoeien, which means to prune, trim, or cut back. In horticulture and gardening, snoei refers to the deliberate removal of plant parts to control size, shape, health, and productivity.

The practice encompasses a range of techniques and goals. Formative pruning shapes young trees and shrubs while maintenance pruning keeps established plants within desired dimensions. Thinning is used to improve light penetration and air circulation, reduce disease risk, and promote new growth. Rejuvenation pruning targets older, overgrown specimens to stimulate revitalization. Cuts are planned to balance plant structure, with attention to removing dead or diseased wood and selecting appropriate sites for new shoots.

Timing and methods vary by species and climate. In temperate regions, many deciduous shrubs are pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, whereas some evergreens and flowering plants have different windows to avoid reducing blooming potential. Tools commonly employed include secateurs or hand pruners for small branches, loppers for medium limbs, and pruning saws for larger cuts. Proper cuts aim to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of breakage.

Regionally, snoei is a standard practice in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking areas, where it intersects with garden maintenance, orchard management, and municipal green waste disposal. It is discussed in horticultural guides and training materials as part of basic plant care and landscape management. See also horticulture, pruning, and plant management.