EXERCISE 51 

 PRUNING 



Object. To study methods of pruning, and the benefits 

 derived from removing undesirable branches from trees. 



Explanation. It is often necessary to remove branches 

 from trees in order to promote their best development. 

 There are two important objects to be secured by pruning. 

 One is to beautify the tree by giving it a better shape ; the 

 other is to make it more fruitful or increase its vigor. Prun- 

 ing may be performed at various times during the year, 

 and the best time depends largely upon the purpose for 

 which it is done. Pruning in the winter tends to promote 

 growth of wood, while pruning during the growing season 

 tends to promote the production of fruit buds. It is usually 

 well to prune orchard trees late in the winter or early in the 

 spring while they are in dormant condition. Pruning may 

 be done successfully almost any time of year except when 

 the buds are starting. Pruning is a means of thinning out 

 undesirable branches. Very severe pruning tends toward the 

 production of a new growth of wood and a light production 

 of fruit. For the best results an orchard should be pruned 

 a little every year. When a limb is cut off, it should be re- 

 moved as near its main branch as possible, and parallel to it. 

 The wound will heal much more rapidly if the limb is re- 



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