154 PRUNING OF PLANTS 



go to other parts of the tree. During the early growth these 

 branches are easily removed and can usually be brushed off 

 very satisfactorily with the hands. 



Summer pruning is not only of value to the small trees but 

 is practised to some extent on the larger trees. Under some 

 conditions a tree will refuse to set fruit buds, and throw all 

 its energy into the production of wood. A tree of this kind, if 

 properly handled, can be made to produce fruit by summer 

 pruning. To secure the desired results the priming should 

 usually be done before the season of growth ends, because 

 earlier pruning starts new growth while late pruning gives 

 no results. In summer pruning a part of the surplus wood is 

 cut out and other branches headed back. This check in the 

 growth of the plant at this time has a tendency to make 

 fruit buds form. The benefit derived from summer pruning 

 depends upon the ability of the pruner to regulate the pruning 

 in such a way as to bring about early maturity. 



Winter Pruning. The pruning of plants during the dormant 

 period is usually spoken of as winter pruning. The dormant 

 season is the time the majority of pruning is done, par- 

 ticularly of all of the woody plants. The winter is a good time 

 to perform this operation for several reasons: The branches 

 are not covered with leaves and are easier to remove. The 

 framework of the tree is visible and the undesirable parts 

 can easily be seen. In addition to these facts the tree is in a 

 period of rest and the removal of a limb, by pruning, is no 

 injury to the plant. Certain plants, like the grapes and maple 

 trees, bleed profusely if not pruned while they are dormant. 



The Pruning of Young Trees. The pruning of a young 

 tree differs greatly from that of a mature tree. The object 

 in the pruning of young trees is to shape their form and to 

 develop a uniform and a symmetrical top. 



Young trees are always more vigorous growers than old 

 ones. Greater annual growth is always made, and because 

 of this rapid accumulation of wood it becomes necessary to 

 shorten some of the branches and to entirely remove others, 

 in order to prepare a good framework for the tree. Young 

 trees are usually pruned more heavily than old trees. Pruning 

 of a young tree should be done every year for at least five 



