CH. Ill 



THINNINGS AND PRUNING 247 



therefore necessary to prune the epicorms, and the opera- 

 tion may have to be repeated once or even twice. 



The pruning of live branches during the growing 

 season is more dangerous to the tree, and should be 

 restricted to the period of greatest rest. Wounds of 

 any size should be painted over with coal-tar or coal- 

 tar and turpentine, in order to prevent the ingress of 

 fungi. The implements which are used for pruning 

 have already been described in the last chapter. Saws 

 leave a rougher surface than cutting implements, but 

 with the larger branches they can really make a 

 straighter cut, and they are not so liable to injure the 

 adjoining bark. For pruning at a height above the 

 ground saws or other implements fixed at the end of 

 a pole may be used, but if the height be above 3 or 4 

 metres (10 to 12 ft.) a sufficient accuracy cannot be 

 obtained, and the process is also very tiring to the 

 workman. Light ladders should therefore be employed, 

 and climbing irons, w T hich injure the trees, should be 

 prohibited. 



In pruning a branch it should be taken off as close 

 to the stem as possible without injuring the bark. If 

 the cut is given with a knife, a sharp upward cut is the 

 best, and for heavier branches cut with a bill-hook or 

 pruning-hook a cut is first given above to prevent the 

 bark tearing, and then a blow given upwards from 

 below. With a pruning-saw the same order would be 

 the best, but as the weight of the branch, as it 

 gradually bends down during the operation, pinches the 

 saw and prevents it being worked to and fro, it is best 

 to give the first portion of the cut below and to finish 

 off from above. If the branch is heavy it is necessary 

 to cut it first at some distance from the stem, and when 

 this is done to cut the stump off close to the stem. 

 Unless this is done the branch will split and some bark 

 will be torn off. 



