THE APPLE. <y 



tender varieties, it will be better to have the trees branch near to 

 the ground (Fig. 53) , since when so formed they are hardier and 

 less exposed to the wind than if they have tall trunks. There is a 

 constant tendency for our trees to incline to the northeast, and this 

 should be prevented so far as possible. To do this the growth 

 should be encouraged on the southwest side by light summer prun- 

 ing on the north side. Also, in setting the trees they should be 

 slightly inclined to the southwest, and an effort made to keep them 

 in that position. 



FIG. 53. A low-headed free with trunk boxed. Form and treatment 

 adapted to severe locations. 



Pruning. In pruning it is well to remember that pruning in 

 the summer checks growth, and pruning at suitable times, when 

 the tree is dormant, stimulates growth. Pruning apple trees just 

 as the sap is starting in the spring is a bad practice, and generally 

 results in quite a portion of the pruned limb dying back or being 

 seriously weakened. The best time to prune is in June, as then 

 the wounds heal over at once. But if a very large amount of wood 

 must be removed it would be better to cut it off in October, or dur- 



