PRUNING 23 



down to the ground. It is preferable to have the top rounded rather 

 than flat. Remember that a portion of the current year's growth 

 must be left on the plants when pruning. 



If privet hedges are winter-killed partially or wholly, or girdled by 

 animals, they should be cut back to four or six inches above the ground. 

 A hedge, when newly planted, should be cut back severely, often to 

 within twelve inches of the ground. This is necessary in order to secure 

 thick growth at the base. 



Topiary Effects. The operation of pruning to produce topiary 

 effects is one that requires much more careful attention and more 

 frequent pruning than almost any other type of pruning work, with 

 the exception of possibly some hedges such as privet hedges, where 

 it is necessary to maintain a constant, even effect. The yew and box- 

 wood which are used for the most permanent effects in topiary work 

 can be pruned to best advantage during the latter part of June and the 

 early part of July, at which time all the new growth should be cut back 

 as far as the older growth, which consists of darker green leaves. This 

 allows opportunity for new shoots to develop within the old growth 

 and thicken the mass. Many plants used for such topiary effects as 

 ovals, spheres, pyramids, cones, spirals, etc., can be given a thorough 

 trimming when the trees are young. The subsequent growth (if the 

 loose-growing tips are kept cut back) will continue to increase the 

 dimensions of these designs in an interesting way. The key to 

 successful topiary effects is the accurate shape to which the tree is 

 trimmed when the first pruning work on the specimen is undertaken. 



Shrubs. Ornamental flowering shrubs may be pruned at any 

 season of the year if no consideration is given to the question of 

 flower production. Wounds made by pruning will heal, however, 

 better during the growing season. Late summer pruning will some- 

 times encourage a new and vigorous growth which does not thoroughly 

 ripen during the late summer and fall months, and is consequently 

 exposed to the danger of winter-killing. Late summer pruning should 

 accordingly not be practised especially on semi-hardy plants. During 

 wet seasons, and when plants are over-supplied with food, summer 

 pruning may be resorted to, in order to restrain succulent and weak 

 growth. 



Many shrubs possess a greater or less value for their flowering habits. 



