56 THE NOETH DAKOTA FAEMSTEAD 



PRUNING TREES SHRUBS AND HEDGES 



In pruning all shrub v s and trees try to remove branches that are 

 crowding each other by rubbing against each other and all broken 

 dead or unsightly branches. If the top of a tree or shrub does not 

 admit enough light or is too crowded it should be thinned out. Trees 



Figure 46 Moving large White Birch tree at Fargo. Note the short stone boat 

 and also the burlap around the trunk of the tree to prevent injury from 

 the chain. 



in the woodlot or shelter belt should be gone over every year for 

 several years to trim off all branches that would tend to prevent a 

 tall, straight tree or that would interfere with cultivation. Always saw 

 or cut off a branch with a smooth cut as near as possible to the main 

 branch or trunk, leaving no stubs. It is best to cover all large wounds 

 with paint. Shrubs can be kept from becoming unsightly with age 



