156 TENDING OF YOUNG HIGH FOREST, ETC. 



pushed from below upwards. For bigger branches ladders 

 and hand-saws must be called into requisition. 



Generally speaking, trees should be pruned to -f of their 

 total height, all small branches below this height being 

 entirely removed flush with the main stem. Under no 

 circumstances should small branches be merely trimmed 

 back to a side twig or bud, as is practised in the case of 

 some fruit trees. 



When dealing with ornamental timber, big branches may 

 often have to be removed. Now, whenever a big branch has 

 to be removed, it should first be sawn through for a few 

 inches underneath at a distance of about 2 feet from the face 

 of the main stem ; then this cut should be completed through 

 from the upper side. This leaves a short length of 2 feet, 

 which is then sawn off in the ordinary way flush with the 

 stem ; then the circumference must be trimmed round with a 

 sharp knife and the cut surface painted over with creosote, 

 or tar and turpentine, or some other suitable antiseptic. 



It is necessary for the branch to be removed in two 

 lengths, as otherwise there is a great chance of the heavy 

 branch falling and tearing a long strip of bark and sapwood 

 away from the main trunk. 



Sometimes only a portion of a big limb is removed. 

 In such a case, unless there is a large side branch on this 

 limb, a length of 8 or 10 feet should be left between the main 

 trunk and the cut surface ; for the flushing of latent buds will 

 then probably take place, and this small length will continue 

 to live. If only a short length were left, it would gradually 

 rot and get hollow, and form a channel whereby water and 

 the spores of fungi would enter the main trunk. 



With reference to the above, it is preferable only to 

 remove that portion of a limb beyond the first large side 

 branch ; for this side branch will keep the rest of the limb 

 alive, provided it be sufficiently large. 



(3) Season for Pruning. 



Much difference of opinion exists as to the best season 

 for pruning. Generally speaking, the autumn is the best 



