28 TREE PRUNING. 



unfamiliar with the results which may be obtained 

 from a sensible system of pruning. 



If none of the branches near the top of the tree 

 naturally approach a vertical position, two or three or 

 several branches should be preserved to form a com- 

 pact head, as represented in Fig. 23. If the tree so 



Fig. 23. Oak with irregular head formed with 

 several large branches. 



treated is young, it is desirable, if possible, to establish 

 the fork at a distance from the ground equal to at 

 least one third of the height which the tree may be 

 expected to attain at maturity. 



Shortening Main Branches, Starting from the top 

 of the tree, where the operation of pruning should 

 always begin, the leader is first formed with the 

 branch selected for this purpose ; the head is made 

 with a single leader ; or, in case of necessity (Fig. 

 23), with several leaders. The principal branches, if 



