32 CITRUS TREES AND THEIR DISEASES 



When the tree is about to come into bearing, prin- 

 ciple number one is: to symmetrically shape and 

 form your tree for its future. Take into consideration 

 your climatic conditions, especially as to heat. Always 

 leave your heavy branches on the south and west to 

 protect your tree against the twelve to two o'clock 

 sun. There can be no definite advice in this matter, 

 for, as I stated above, each tree represents itself, and 

 it is a question of good judgment. The man with the 

 best judgment shapes his tree best for future con- 

 ditions. 



Principle number two: is to remove all surplus 

 or unnatural wood, water sprouts, etc. This is another 

 question of good judgment to determine what is fruit 

 wood growth, and what vacancies and holes in your 

 tree should be filled. 



Principle number three : is to carefully prune your 

 tree so that you may have small air chambers passing 

 through from the north and east side of your tree. 

 This I consider one of the most valuable points, espec- 

 ially where there is as much sunshine as is found in 

 Southern California. These air chambers are great 

 preventatives against moss, scaley bark, gum disease, 

 and bark bound conditions. When plenty of air cir- 

 culates around the tree with the southwest closed, 

 where the strong heat penetrates, the air coming from 

 the north and east keeps a much better temperature 

 in your tree. 



The writer will be only too glad to answer any 

 and all questions regarding pruning, after he has ob- 

 tained the full particulars and conditions surrounding 



