CHAPTER XV 



PRUNING 



Purpose of pruning. The object of pruning is to repair inju- 

 ries, promote the proper growth of the specimens, and secure 

 more shapely, healthy, and fruitful plants. Many species grow 

 so luxuriantly that 

 they require an an- 

 nual trimming to 

 keep them within 

 bounds. Others, 

 again, may produce 

 a crown of foliage 

 so dense that suffi- 

 cient light and air 

 do not penetrate 

 it; in consequence 

 of this few flower 

 buds are formed, 

 and what fruit is 

 produced is pale in 

 color and poorly 

 flavored. Such a 

 specimen is ben- 

 efited by pruning. 

 Although woody 

 species are the ones usually pruned, a few herbaceous plants 

 commonly receive the same treatment, especially tomatoes, 

 tobacco, okra, and various garden flowers. Many woody 

 plants are self-pruning and annually cut off many of their 



215 



Photograph by II. L. Hollister Land Co. 



FIG. 156. Apple blossoms 

 Showing the good results of proper pruning 



