Pruning of Deciduous Fruit Trees. 177 



PRUNING OF DECIDUOUS FRUIT TREES.* 



By H. B. Terry, Cert. E.H.S., Loiielon and South Africa, Lecturer 

 in Horticulture, School of Ag'riculture, Potchefstroom. 



As there 'exists a pressing need among fruit growers for some infor- 

 mation about the pruning of trees, this short article has been pre- 

 pared. While an endeavour has been made to illustrate and render 

 the text as explicit as possible it must not be regarded as the final 

 word on the subject. 



Pruning Tools. 



Before commencing operations it is as well to be equipped with 

 implements of good quality and capable of allowing the work to be 

 carried on with tiie minimum amount of damage to the trees. Many 

 trees are ruined everj^ year by bruising, splitting, etc., and where 

 profit is sought such action by decreasing the output increases relative 

 cost of production. It is possible to- secure the best saws, secateurs, 

 and knives at any hardware emporium in the Union, and none other 

 should be used. All tools should be clean and sharp, and kept in 

 this condition whilst the work proceeds. 



The California bow-saw possesses a reversible blade, rendering 

 it possible for the operator to sever a branch at any angle close to 

 the stem or main branches ; the blade is also detachable and easily 

 replaced. The secateur (shear) should have a removable blade for 

 convenience, as most of the cutting is done with it. A good pruning 

 knife,' capable of retaining a keen edge, is necessary for light work 

 and trimming the bark smooth after saw-cuts. 



When to Prune. 



The correct time to commence winter pruning depends upon the 

 state of the trees and the amount to be done. When only a small 

 area is under cultivation July will be found a suitable month. In 

 large commercial orcliards pruning is seldom delayed long after the 

 leaves have fallen, and is continued until the buds begin to swell. 

 It can be said that pruning niay be done at any time during the 

 dormant season to assist in shaping and renovating trees, promote 

 wood growth, and equalize sap distribution, thus keeping the trees in 

 a vigorous and healthy condition. 



The selection of many types, the tracing of subsequent ^rowth, 

 successful photography, and other factors all tend to delay the pro- 

 duction of a complete work on this subject. The pruning of a tree 

 for commercial purposes begins immediately after the tree has been 

 firmly planted in its allotted place in the orchard. The first pruning 

 is usually termed "heading back." In every instance where some- 

 thing is being developed towards its ultimate purpose a proper plan 

 of treatment and procedure is, or should be drawn up, so that chance 



* Originally published as Local Series Bulletin No. IG, Department of Agriculture, 

 Pretoria. 



