I 10 



General Care of Trees 



which in city streets is ahvays connected with difficulties, 

 can be avoided; moreover, the "heading back" of heavy 

 branches mars the symmetry and beauty of the tree and can 

 only be considered a remedy for the neglect of earlier trim- 

 ming. 



When pruning becomes necessary in order to reduce the 

 crowding of neighbors, it is better to cut out entire branches 



Fig. 42. — Methods of correct pruning. 



than to trim back the ends, since this only stimulates the 

 production of new shoots, which soon close up again. "A 

 skilful operator will remove one-third or more of the branches 

 of a thickly set tree in such a manner that the ordinary 

 observer will not perceive that any pruning has been done, 

 the tree looking as natural in its ramifications as if it had 

 not been disturbed." 



Pruning for Flowers. Pruning is also resorted to for the 

 purpose of stimulating flowering and fruiting. This is a 

 special subject of the orchardist, which we can touch only 

 as far as flowering ornamental trees or shrubs are concerned. 

 When flowers are the object for which the tree or shrub is 

 planted, the pruner must have knowledge of the flowering 



