Daknownstly, a horticulture agent, Dakota Gardener, has been banned from pruning alone due to safety concerns. Pruning, which removes dead and damaged branches, can improve flower and fruit production and reduce diseases from trees and shrubs. It also reduces the risk of injury and disease to the tree. The ban was due to the fact that no one else was home to help during the pruning process. Safety measures include safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, not sandals, for example. The author also notes that pruning with a buddy can alert you to unexpected hazards such as fire blight and powdery mildew.