i8 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



above as to placing the junction of stock and scion 3 

 inches below the level. In heavy clay soils it is desirable 

 to plant only 9 inches deep, and earth up the uppermost 

 roots above the ground level. 



CHAPTER IV 

 PRUNING 



ALTHOUGH I am often attacked for advocating that all 

 Apples and Pears should be allowed a year's growth before 

 pruning, I still think that this is the best plan. Dwarf trees 

 carefully planted in November or December, provided the 

 season is favourable, may be pruned the following April 

 after planting, but for standard Apple and Pear trees it 

 is most important to let them grow a year before pruning. 

 Stone fruits produce more fibrous roots, and can be pruned 

 the first year if well planted. 



In pruning regard must be had to the form of tree 

 desired. If a standard, aim at getting a well-balanced 

 head, preferably 3-5 shoots as a start, and cut these 

 back after the first summer's growth to 6 inches, always 

 pruning to a growth bud pointing outwards. From 

 this pruning several shoots will issue, and those in the 

 centre of the tree can be cut back (spurred) to four leaves 

 about the first week in August, leaving at the next winter 

 pruning two or three leading shoots to extend the head ; 

 these leaders may be allowed to retain a foot length of new 

 growth annually until the proper shaped head is produced, 

 carrying on the spur pruning of inner shoots yearly, in 

 August or September. 



