The term TRIM, AS BRANCHES can be solved by the crossword solution PRUNE, which is a five-letter word. Pruning is the practice of removing parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots, in order to improve its health and appearance. Pruning is often done to trees and shrubs to maintain their shape and size, as well as to encourage new growth. Pruning can also be used to remove dead or diseased parts of a plant, or to thin out dense foliage.