THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



As a general statement, it will not be worth while dehorning apple 

 trees unless they have sound hearts. This may be determined by 

 the condition of the trunk. 



When the trunks show good health, have no stubs of former 

 branches, or where the stubs are small or are still perfectly sound, 

 the probability is the trees may be worked over to good ad- 

 vantage. Even large quantities of small dead branches in the 

 tops are often no indication of the recuperative power of the 

 trees because death may have been caused by San Jose scale, 

 disease, or other trouble. Removal of these is the preliminary 

 step in rejuvenation. Often no more wood should be taken out 

 the first year because sufficient light will enter to give the younger 

 parts left a better chance than before, especially when correct 

 spraying follows as part of the reclamation plan. A generally 

 safe and sure indication of the recuperative power of the tree 

 is the growth of suckers and watersprouts. If these are numer- 

 ous and sturdy they indicate plenty of root power ; if small, few 

 and weak, the reverse. 



When branches are removed, leaving stubs, decay is sure 

 sooner or later to enter and rot out the heart wood. Thus we get 

 "bee-trees!" Woodpeckers often take advantage of such con- 

 ditions to build their nests in the decaying wood. In time the 

 whole interior decays, leaving nothing but a shell which sooner 

 or later breaks down, leaving ruins. The correct way to remove 

 branches is to leave no stubs, not even shoulders. New tissue 

 grows over such wounds readily thus sealing the tissues. Unless 

 the wounds are larger than two inches in diameter there is no 

 need to paint them with anything; they will heal before decay 

 can get a start — provided they are made as just described. When 

 larger" it is well to use a strong antiseptic, but to exercise extreme 

 care that it touches nothing but the heart wood, for it will de- 

 stroy the growing tissues. The Lrush used should be pressed 

 against the pail containing the liquid until no fluid runs back and 

 only then should it be applied to the heartwood. By painting 

 with avenarius carbolineum or with creosote better results may 

 be secured than with paint, because these materials are anti- 

 septics that penetrate the tissue and not merely coverings for the 



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