PRUNING OF TREES AND ORNAMENTALS. 133 



laterals is corrected by the occasional starting of new 

 shoots from near the base, as with the grape. 



147. Pruning to Shape Trees. In the interior States 

 young orchard trees are inclined to make most growth on 

 the north side of the stem and top. This is corrected by 

 summer cutting back on the north side. This checks 

 growth and lessens growth of roots on the north side. If 

 continued lightly on projecting points of growth for two 

 or three years we can secure the most growth on the south 

 side. 



This applies to all isolated trees in the prairie States 

 (26) and to a less extent in all parts of the country where 

 the air is more humid. Even the evergreens and some 

 shrubs in interior climates go out from the line of sym- 

 metry by greater length of shoots on the north side. In 

 such cases the balance can be sustained by pinching the 

 points of growth of leading shoots on the north side. 



148. Pruning the Cherry and Plum. The Morello 

 varieties of the cherry form rather open, round-headed 

 tops that need comparatively , little pruning if a well- 

 defined stem and top are established when first set in 

 orchard. As a rule, in all parts of the country where they 

 thrive they will bear well without pruning except in the 

 cutting out of dead twigs as they are noticed without 

 regard to season. If at any time quite large limbs are cut 

 the wounds do not heal over as readily as the apple or pear 

 and usually form rotten spots, starting the exudation of 

 gum. But the young growth can be shortened without 

 injury where it is desirable to thicken up the top in interior 

 climates, where it is often an advantage. 



The duke and sweet cherries are upright in habit, and 

 many commercial growers head back the top of young 

 trees in orchard. In two or three years the natural habit 

 is changed from the spire-shape to that of a round- topped 



