180 Peach-Growing 



formed and properly pruned during its first years, the founda- 

 tion for a good tree is established; subsequent errors in 

 pruning, if they occur, may admit of correction perhaps 

 without permanent harm to the tree. 



While the details of pruning vary greatly as practiced by 

 different growers, a single system, as far as the general shape 

 of the tree is concerned, is almost universal. Nearly all 

 growers prune more or less definitely to a "vase form," the 

 name being vaguely suggestive of the somewhat vase-shaped 

 outline made by the top of the tree. Rarely one hears 

 mention of a peach tree pruned to a " central leader/' but 

 this system of pruning is so seldom used in peach orchards 

 that it calls for no further comment. The "vase form" im- 

 plies in a general way a tree with an open center. 



PRUNING TOOLS 



It is unnecessary to discuss at any considerable length, 

 tools for use in pruning peach trees. Where the work is 

 done systematically and timely, there will rarely be occasion 

 to remove a limb that cannot be severed with a strong pair 

 of hand pruning shears. In fact, practically all the work can 

 be done with this type of implement. However, a saw is 

 necessary at times, one of the narrow bladed patterns es- 

 pecially intended for pruning purposes being convenient. 

 Some use a long-handled pruning shear with staff six or eight 

 feet in length for reaching the ends of the branches of tall 

 trees when heading them back. However, if there is much 

 of this type of work to be done, it will be better usually to 

 supply a step-ladder from which the operator can reach the 

 branches with his hand shears. Sometimes a pair of heavy 

 lopping shears with handles about three feet long is very 



