36 DWARF FRUIT TREES 



gone ovei more than once during the growing season. 

 In fact, four successive examinations of the tree are 

 usually required. Old trees can sometimes be man- 

 aged with two or three, but young ones, on the other 

 hand, will sometimes require six or more. Of course, 

 there are usually only a few shoots that need attention 

 at each succeeding visit, and the work can be very 

 rapidly performed. The first pruning, or pinching, 

 falls about three weeks after the trees have started 

 into growth. The next one comes ten days later, the 

 next one ten days later again, and the fourth pruning 

 two weeks after the third. From this time onward the 

 intervals lengthen. These specifications, of course, 

 are only approximate and suggestive. Some judg- 

 ment is required to select just the proper moment for 

 pinching back a shoot and even more to select the 

 time for a general summer priming. Those trees 

 which enjoy the sympathetic presence of the gardener 

 every day are sure to fare best. The bulk of this 

 pruning can be done with the thumb nail and fore- 

 finger, but I find a light pair of pruning scissors 

 pleasanter to work with. 



5. Root pruning is sometimes advisable. Since the 

 whole program is arranged to check the growth of 

 the dwarf tree, root pruning would naturally fit well 

 with the other practises recommended. Root pruning 

 checks the growth of a tree about as positively as 

 any treatment that can be devised. When dwarf pear 

 or apple trees seem to be making too much wood 

 growth and not enough fruit, they can be taken up, 

 as for transplanting, during the dormant season and 

 set right back into place. This digging up and re- 



