Pruning for Balance 



99 



new fibrils may form in the natural direction. Bruised 

 roots, if too much lacerated to jjromise ready healing, are 

 also better removed, since the}' may otherwise become 

 starting points for rot. If they cannot be dispensed with 

 without too much loss to the 

 tree their treatment may fol- 

 low the prescription for treat- 

 ing wounds in general (see 

 page 89). 



Next comes the trimming 

 back of the head to balance 



Fig. 29. — Pruning axe. 



with the root system, keeping in mind in the choice of parts 

 to be removed the height from the ground at which it is 

 desired to start the crown. 



Injured or misshapen parts are, of course, the first to be 

 subjected to the knife. Next a heading in of the tips of 

 spindling branches may suffice, with due reference to desir- 

 able shape of the crown. Finally, if this seems insufficient, 

 whole branches may be entirely removed by cutting them 

 out close to the stem. When it seems undesirable to use 

 the knife, the balance may be attained by breaking out buds, 

 and this is the preferable method, especially in conifers, as 

 the knife is apt to spoil their form. 



If, in the planted tree, balance between the root system 

 and crown system has been disturbed, as may be occasioned 



by the loss of roots through 

 grading, the same operation of 

 balancing the crown is needed, 

 always keeping in mind that 

 the tree will, unaided, restore 

 the balance, but without reference to its appearance; hence 

 it is desirable to anticipate the natural process. 



The need of pruning for balance when part of the root 



Fig. 30. — Brush a.xe. 



