44 



TREE PRUNING. 



pressions and reductions are operated with judgment 

 and courage (Fig. 39, 40). 



The lower branches, which are often unnaturally 

 developed arid interfere with the growth of the rest 

 of the tree, should be shortened to establish the 

 proper form of head, while the leader should be 

 treated in the manner already recommended (Fig. 

 41.) 



A tree operated on in this manner will often appear 

 very bare at first ; but at the end of a few years the 

 head will have regained a sufficient 

 development. 



Old Trees. It is hardly neces- 

 sary to explain that old trees re- 

 quire more cautious treatment than 

 younger ones, which may if neces- 

 sary be entirely remodelled. In 

 pruning an old tree it is not a 

 question of a leader or of increas- 

 ing the size ; and it is only desir- 

 able to regulate the shape of the 

 head somewhat, by shortening when 

 necessary such branches as in- 

 tei'fere, by their length or position, 

 with the equilibrium of the tree itself, or injure other 

 trees in its vicinity. The heads of old trees should, 

 as far as possible, be reduced to a more or less rounded 

 ovoid, the lower branches being the shortest (Fig. 

 42, 43). 



The main branches should be left six to twelve feet 



First pruning. 



