Snag

Spare a dead tree (snag) for the birds.
Birds tend to perch in dead trees, which they use as singing posts to defend their territories. It's also a good idea to leave a few dead branches on live trees for perches.

It can snag or tear on twigs or thorns, which often causes broken plants. One solution is to build an inexpensive framework or cage that completely covers the bushes or plants. Then buy a net that reaches to the ground on all sides.

The snag with these is there can be too many of them. Either pull them off or when they get a bit bigger, cut them off.

What I did not mention is that I managed to snag the larger version at a garage sale for $3! ...

A companion planting example: Borage is a lovely herb with the most gorgeous edible blue flowers, but if you plant it near your squash plants, it may snag the squash vine borer and turn to a sticky black mess overnight.

When you are handling pruning equipment, pantomime a few cuts. The blades should move smoothly across the length of the cutting edge. If they snag or fail to meet in some areas, look at another pair.

And lastly, when you've hit a snag, sometimes you just need to reboot. You can reboot in your garden as well.

See also: Water, Plant, Light, High, Gardening