John 15: 2 describes the standard work of any vinedresser or gardner, but in this case we are the vine and our Heavenly Father is the vinedresser.  Without the vinedresser caring for and pruning the vine, it would become wild and it's productivity would decrease greatly. 

The vinedresser engages in two activities here, first the fruitless branches are removed.  Then the fruitful branches are pruned or clensed, which translates to more fruit bearing.  Here, both actions promote fruit bearing.  The vinedresser removes deadwood from the vine for the betterment of the vine and branches.  Throughout Jesus' parables, a branch or plant that is without fruit is abnormal or defective and does not indicate spiritual life.  I think back to all the deadwood I had and how I opened up and let our Heavenly Father trim it all away.  Since then, so much fruit has been beared in my life.  Are you due for a pruning?