Tomato Pruning Tips for Better Growth Focus on indeterminate varieties that keep growing all season Remove suckers from leaf axils to boost fruit production Prune early in the morning to reduce stress on the plant Use clean, sharp shears to avoid spreading disease Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at once Dispose of trimmed leaves away from garden beds to reduce pests Proper pruning supports airflow, reduces disease, and helps your tomato plant focus on making juicy, ripe fruits.