The term PRUNES, AS BRANCHES can be solved by the four letter word LOPS. Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves cutting away parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots, to encourage growth and improve the overall health of the plant. Pruning branches is a common practice for trees and shrubs, and is done to remove dead or diseased branches, to promote new growth, and to shape the plant. The act of pruning branches is referred to as lops, and is an important part of maintaining healthy plants.