PRUNING AND MANAGEMENT 33 
If possible, all very old wood should be removed, 
as old wood does not produce flowers. Leave 
enough wood to cover nicely, and consider the 
condition of the plant. If it is looking poorly, 
and not growing as it should, cut it back quite 
hard. If robust and healthy, cut but little; 
cut close to an eye and you will not have so 
many dead stubs on the plants. 
All evergreen vines should be pruned in spring 
before growth starts, but it is generally found 
unnecessary to prune this class of vines at all, 
as there is nothing gained by cutting them back. 
Although you can cut these vines at any time, 
the reason why it is best done in the spring is 
that the new growth soon hides the cut 
ends, and the plant quickly assumes a natural 
appearance. 
Deciduous vines, which are grown for foliage 
effects, likewise must be attended to in early 
spring. This class of vines can stand a little 
pruning, as it stimulates growth, and most of 
them have a tendency to winter-kill a trifle. 
Vines which are grown for their ornamental 
fruit should be cut hard in early spring, as they 
all fruit on new wood. Do not be afraid to cut 
these vines, as they are all heavy growers, 
and, if allowed to carry too much wood, will 
