8 TREE PRUNING. 



at the top ; the lower branches die from insufficient 

 nourishment, fall off, and leave, when large, bare 





Fig. 2. A young unpruned Oak growing in rich soil. A. Dead 

 branches. B. Branches broken by the wind or by the weight of 

 snow and ice. 



decayed spots, which gradually penetrate to the 

 heart of the tree, and ruin also its commercial 

 value (Fig. 3). 



Wounds caused by the breaking off of large 

 branches by wind or snow produce the same results 

 (Fig. 4). There is no remedy for the dangerous 

 effects of such accidents except in pruning ; it is a 

 simple question of surgery. Without pruning, the 

 tree must sooner or later decay ; with pruning, its 

 value may be preserved. 



The secret of obtaining a complete cure in all 

 operations requiring the removal of a branch, either 

 living or dead, consists in cutting close to, and perfectly 

 even with, the trunk. Many authorities have hinted 

 at this, the cardinal principle of all pruning ; but M. 



