i 4 o TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



wanted. For the removal of an entire branch, the cut 

 should be right at the remaining limb so close that not 

 even a slight stub remains. The cut should be cleanly 

 made and should leave no ragged edge to delay healing. 

 Any sharp knife may be used but a pruning knife is 

 desirable and may be obtained at a hardware store. 

 Pruning shears are clumsy for this delicate work and are 

 apt to cause bruises on the young and tender tree. The 

 pruning is more easily done before the tree is placed in its 

 planting hole. 



Sometimes it will be found that with very warm 

 weather immediately after planting the leaves which 

 develop will wither and droop. This usually indicates 

 that the growth of the top has been more rapid than can 

 be supported by the transplanted roots, and additional 

 pruning is needed to prevent the death of the tree. In 

 this secondary pruning up to three fourths of the top 

 may be removed, even though this reduces the tree to the 

 semblance of a bean-pole. It is better to take this step 

 than to have the tree die. After the roots have become 

 established, the formation of the top will take care of 

 itself. 



After planting, the tree should have annual pruning. 

 Symmetrical formation of the top cannot be otherwise 

 secured. As the tree grows it will be found that for 

 graceful appearance certain branches must be held 

 in check, while others must be coaxed into full develop- 

 ment. The amount of light reaching a tree is an important 

 factor in developing the crown. The strongest growth of 

 branches is in the direction of the strongest light, and 

 this must have consideration in pruning for development. 

 It is well to remember, in planting as well as in pruning, 

 that such part of a tree as may be shut off from the light 

 can not have vigorous growth. 



