EXERCISE 60 



Fig. 84. A two-year-old apple tree before and after pruning 



The picture on the right shows the tree after pruning ; note the 

 even distribution of scaffold limbs ; an excellent type of an open- 

 headed tree 



PRUNING THE APPLE TREE 



Statement. All fruit trees require to be pruned from time to time for the production of fruit of 

 the highest quality. It is by removing the excessive wood growth through judicious pruning that the 



fruitfulness of the tree is increased. Also the size and 

 quality of the fruit are improved, and insects and dis- 

 eases are more readily controlled. 



Object. To learn how to prune bearing apple 

 trees. 



Materials. A neglected orchard ; a pruning saw ; 

 a pair of hand shears ; a ladder ; a pail of paint and 

 a brush for each squad. 



Directions. For this work a visit should be made 

 to a neglected orchard or an orchard which is in need 

 of being pruned. In working over old trees the dead 

 and diseased limbs should be removed first. Then 

 cut out all twisted, weak, and crossing or rubbing 

 branches as well as those which grow back through 

 the center. The ideal tree should have a low head, 

 and an open top with the bearing wood distributed throughout. Old and neglected trees usually re- 

 quire heading back. Cut each upright limb in the top of the tree back to a strong limb spreading 

 toward the outside of the tree. Thin the 

 remaining limbs, so that the sunlight may 

 have access to all portions of the tree, by 

 removing the weaker limbs and leaving 

 the best fruit-bearing wood. The removal 

 of large limbs hastens the work of reno- 

 vation, but the large scars are slower in 

 healing than the small ones. If the trees 

 are devoid of fruit-bearing wood along the 

 main limbs, head back all healthy water 

 sprouts to about three inches in length 

 and in this way convert them into fruit 

 spurs. In removing limbs cut close to the 

 remaining limb, leaving a smooth surface, 

 sloping so as to shed water. Paint all cuts 

 larger than one inch in diameter to pre- 

 vent infection of wood which is exposed. 



If the same orchard can be used for several years, an excellent opportunity is offered for studying 

 the effect of pruning on the character of the fruit and the vigor of the trees. 



Questions. What are the objects of pruning ? Do water sprouts have any value ? Why is it neces- 

 sary to remove the diseased wood? Why should the wounds be painted? How can excessive height 

 growth be remedied? Describe in detail how to renovate a neglected orchard. 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, pp. 268-270. Ginn and Company. Wilkinson, I 

 A. E. The Apple, pp. 83-90. Ginn and Company. Waugh, F. A. The American Apple Orchard, pp. 77-91. 

 Orange Judd Company. 



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Fig. 85. Before and after pruning 



The tree at the left is a well-cared-for tree before being pruned ; on the right is 



the same tree after it has been pruned. Notice the limbs on the ground at the 



left of the pruned tree which were removed. Note also how much more open 



the top is and that all interlacing limbs have been removed 



