102 



General Care of Trees 



Fig. 33.— 

 graph' 

 pruner. 



In planted groups of several species, the fact (referred to on 

 pages 25 and 73) must be kept in mind that the different species 

 vary in regard to the amount of light which they require 

 for normal development. Some, such as the Beech, Maple, 

 and Holly, are very shade-enduring and at 

 the same time they themselves make a dense 

 shade; if associated with such light-needing 

 species as the Tulip tree, the Ash, Walnut, 

 Cherry, and many others, the latter will be 

 at a great disadvantage: the shady species 

 crowding them, suppressing their branches, 

 and possibly shading out the entire tree, 

 unless the shaders are kept within bounds. The pruner 

 must study these relationships, must protect the weaker, 

 and must give them at least a free upper crown, if he desires 

 to keep the groups in harmonious development. A little 

 observation will soon show whicli trees are relatively weaker 

 in their shade endurance. 



The most difficult task of the pruner, because requiring 

 the most judgment, a sense of fitness, and a clear concep- 

 tion of the results of his pruning, is that of training trees 

 to desirable outline. This refers, of course, to single trees 

 on the lawn, where the form and 

 outline of the crown are the 

 important features. 



The "natural," symmetrical 

 form, typical of the particular 

 species, is, to be sure, the ideal 

 one to be attempted in general. But it is by no means 

 certain that the individual tree will, if left alone, develop 

 this form. Not only do conditions of the soil, which influ- 

 ence the root development, find expression in the shape of 

 the crown, leading to irregular and sometimes undesirable 



Fig. 34. — "Paragon" double 

 edged pruning saw. 



