APPLE GROWING 



Northeastern States, It Is usually advisable to 

 prune a tree so as to have a rather open top. 

 This Is necessary in order properly to color and 

 mature the fruit. 



3. To regulate the number of limbs compos- 

 ing the top. Probably three branches well dis- 

 tributed on the trunk would make most nearly 

 the Ideal head, but as these cannot always be 

 obtained the best practice Is to leave from three 

 to five branches from which to form the top. 



4. To fix the branches at the proper height 

 from the ground. This Is more or less a matter 

 of opinion, some growers preferring a low and 

 others a high head. The character of the tree 

 growth, the method of culture, and the purpose 

 of the tree whether temporary or permanent 

 greatly Influence the height of the head. An 

 upright growing variety should be headed lower 

 than a spreading one. Trees kept In sod or 

 under extensive methods can well be headed 

 lower than those under more Intensive culture 

 where It Is desirable to carry on cultural opera- 

 tions close around them. Permanent trees 

 should be headed higher than temporary trees. 

 Apple trees should seldom be headed lower 

 than a foot from the ground, nor more than 

 four feet above It. For upright growing varle- 



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