CHAPTER X 



PRUNING 



128. We are now ready to discuss the reasons for pruning, 

 and how the work should be performed. We have discovered 

 that there is competition between different plants and also 



between branches on the same plant. 

 When one or more of the competitors 

 is removed, the remain- 

 ing plants or parts 

 have better condi- 

 tions and will prob- 

 ably increase in vigor. 

 Pruning is a means of 

 allowing the remaining 

 branches a better op- 

 portunity to develop. 



129. Pruning should therefore increase 

 the vigor of remaining parts. In fruit trees 

 it also thins the fruit, increasing its size. 

 It opens a tree-top to air and light; 

 removes superfluous fruit -buds; allows 

 more thorough spraying; increases ease of 

 access into the tree by the pickers. Prun- 

 ing also keeps plants within bounds, and ^ 

 corrects misshapen or awkward forms. 



130. The first pruning is performed 

 when the plant is set or planted. The 

 broken and dead roots are removed, and 

 part of the top is taken away. There 

 should be a proper balance between root 



(59) 



101. Showing how much 

 the leaves or top of a 

 young plant may be 

 removed on trans- 

 planting* 



102. Suggestions for 

 pruning root and top 

 of an apple t ree when 

 it is transplanted. A 

 pruned top is shown 

 at a. 



