512 Bulletin 94 



(d) Second Winter: Thin side shoots on main branches, al- 



lowing two strong laterals on each as a 

 continuation of the framework. 



(e) Third Summer: Keep off water-sprouts; remove or pinch 



back branches where necessary. 



(f) Third Winter: Thin out top and shorten the over-vigorous 



leaders. 



PRUNING BEARING TREES 



Bearing olive trees must be pruned carefully and regularly if 

 annual crops are to be secured and fruit of the proper size and quality 

 for the best grade of ripe olives produced. It is difficult to prescribe 

 definite methods of pruning trees of this age on account of the indi- 

 vidual differences in growth. Certain principles, however, are gen- 

 erally applicable. In most cases the trees send out strong vertical 

 branches, which if allowed to remain will bear very little fruit except 

 at the top. Ordinarily these branches are removed, but if the tree is 

 much exposed they may be cut back to side branches. The shortening 

 of top branches should be done with caution, as there is danger of the 

 tree-tops becoming too crowded. Sunlight and air are required for 

 the proper development of wood and fruit; consequently, the top of 

 the tree must be kept open. This does not mean that large openings 

 should be made at any point, but that the treatment should permit 

 the even distribution of dispersed sunlight throughout the tree. Fail- 

 ure in this will lessen the size and quality of the crop and cause the 

 fruit to be borne largely on the outer and upper parts of the tree, 

 whereas it should form on the inside as well. 



A careful watch should be maintained for weak, diseased, and 

 injured parts, which must be removed in order that the space may be 

 occupied by vigorous, useful wood. Not infrequently such treatment, 

 together with thinning out crowded parts of the top, will be all the 

 pruning required. 



It is not good practice to shear back the branches of olive trees 

 to mere stubs. This causes a thick, abnormal growth of side shoots, 

 excludes sunlight and weakens useful parts of the tree. In shorten- 

 ing a branch, the cut should be made just above a side shoot. 



