PRUNING APl'LE TREES. 



155 



most important pruning should be given when the young tree is set in the 

 spring. If two-year-old trees are set there will be several lateral branches 

 from 1 to 3 feet long. Three or four of these laterals are enough to form 

 the main branches for the future tree; all others should be removed close 

 up to the trunk. Many of the early growers made the mistake of heading 

 their trees too high. These laterals that are left should be distributed 

 around the tree as well as possible, and should be arranged up and down 

 the trunk at different heights in such a manner that a crotch will not be 

 formed later. These laterals should be cut back at setting time to stubs 

 about 6 inches long and the trunk cut off about 3 or ZV2 feet above the 



Fig. 1. 



ground. If the side branches are left 20 to 30 inches above the ground at 

 setting time, this will be practically the height they will be on the mature 

 tree. 



Newly set trees should make a rapid growth during the first year. 

 After the first year's growth has been made the trees should be gone over 

 and the tops thinned out. Usually there are a number of branches grow- 

 ing in the wrong direction, and others crossed and interfering with each 

 other, that should be cut out. This is the time to correct poorly shaped 

 heads. A moderate heading in of the long upright branches at this time 

 tends to encourage the development of stronger side branches on the 

 leaders. 



