CHAPTER III 

 Root Pruning 



FRUIT trees frequently become too vigorous and luxuriant, 

 and in such cases a little judicious root pruning is invariably 

 what is required to remedy the trouble. In addition to check- 

 ing excessive branch growth, root pruning renders the fresh 

 shoots fruitful, brings the roots nearer the surface, and causes 

 the production of fibrous roots, which are essential to healthy, 

 profitable trees. Root pruning can be carried out from the 

 end of October to the end of March, but it will be found the 

 best plan to get it done early, when the soil is in good workable 

 condition and the weather mild. 



The root pruning of fruit trees more than five years old 

 should extend over two seasons, one half of the roots being 

 treated one year arid the other half the next. Dig out a 

 circular trench about 2 feet wide half-way round the tree, at a 

 distance of from 3 to 4J feet from the main stem according to 

 its age and size. In dealing with large trees the trench must be 

 farther away from the trunk than when root pruning young 

 trees. Small fibrous roots should not be damaged, but long, 

 bare, fibreless roots must be shortened, and particularly those 

 that strike downward into the subsoil ; excavation underneath 

 the trees is, of course, necessary in order to get at these. 



A sharp knife should be used, the cuts being made in a 

 slanting direction, starting from the underside of the roots. 

 All pieces of root cut away ought to be removed from the trench. 

 When the work is finished the trench is carefully filled in again 

 with good soil, that removed in many cases being suitable if 

 some fibrous loam, road-grit, and lima rubbish are mixed with it. 



Young fruit trees, especially Pear, Plum, and Peach, are 

 very liable to produce vigorous, barren branches, during the 

 first few years after being planted. Unless this excessive vigour 

 is checked the trees develop so rapidly that they may become 

 full of gross shoots that do not bear fruit, and, moreover, destroy 



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