PRUNING 



26S 



before it grows very long, otherwise the cut ends of the branches are 

 large and over conspicuous. 



Fruit Trees 



In pruning fruit trees for home grounds there should be an effort 

 to keep them always low headed and open. This means that from the 

 start the branches should be encouraged to grow out from the main 

 trunk. Avoid allowing the branches to start so that a crotch is formed 

 and have them distributed around the tree so that when they beai fruit 

 there will be a natural balance. As the years pass, less pruning is 

 necessary on fruit trees, except to keep the center open so that some 

 light can get in to color the fruit. Dead or crowded branches must be 

 removed. Any appearance of disease is better cut out than any treat- 

 ment that can be given it. A tree once in good bearing condition 

 seldom needs extensive pruning. 



Young Trees Pruned 



One at the left pruned properly, the head 



started low and branches well distributed. 



One at right — head too high, branches form 



a crotch and tree is not balanced 



Pruning a Limb 



a, Branch cut off too long, b, The branch (a) after several years, has died back but 



cannot heal, c, A branch cut'properly. d, A branch which is cut so that a little pocket 



is left in which water can settle and cause decay, e, A wound heaUng properly, f, A 



branch being strangled by a wire-tie 



