Garden Hotline

Michelle Reeser West is joined by Dave Gunn, owner of St. Louis Esthetic Pruning, to break down the art and science behind proper tree and shrub pruning. With a background at the Missouri Botanical Garden and years of hands-on field work, Dave explains how structural pruning improves tree health, safety, and long-term growth. The conversation covers when to prune, how to shape trees for both function and aesthetics, and common mistakes homeowners make when cutting back plants. Dave also shares insights from his diverse career path and how it shaped his approach to horticulture, education, and landscape design.