Pruning and Training 



SUMMER PRUNING. 



The main objects of summer pruning are: 



1. To induce the tree to form fruit buds on spurs 

 in a safe position quite near to the branches. 



2. To admit sunshine and air to all parts of the 

 tree at a time when it is most likely to do good, i.e., 

 in the summer. 



3. To check or to prevent excessive growth and to 

 keep the tree well balanced and true to a desired 

 shape. 



Excessive winter pruning always leads to exces- 

 sive growth. 



Beginners find this very difficult to understand, 

 but the explanation is simple enough. The sap 

 descends in the autumn and sufficient is stored in the 

 main stem and larger roots of the tree to provide 

 sufficient nourishment next spring for all the buds 

 on the tree. 



Now suppose that we cut away one-third or even 

 one-half of the total number of buds ; the sap, 

 intended for all, will enable the remainder to 

 develop much quicker when the time comes, and the 

 result is seen in the vigorous growth and lengthy 

 shoots on such a tree. 



This does not happen if the pruning is done when 

 the sap is flowing full and strong. 



There are many different systems, but only three 

 will be dealt with here. The system commonly 

 practised in English gardens is simple enough, but it 

 does not always give satisfactory results, possibly 

 because it is sometimes done at the wrong time. 

 The average English gardener shortens to within 

 five or six leaves of their base the side shoots or 



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