25 



restored to a more or less vigorous condition by judicious pruning. 

 When elm branches a foot or more in diameter are topped nothing 

 but a bushy growth results. By removing all but a single sprout 

 much better growth may be obtained. 



There is a difference of opinion as to the best time to prune, some 

 authorities advocating spring and others preferring the fall of the 

 year. Many people prune when the tree is in foliage ; for 

 example, in May or later. There are advantages in pruning in either 

 season. Since trees occasionally bleed when pruned in early sum- 

 mer the painting of wounds is not always so successfully accom- 

 plished under these conditions ; while, on the other hand, scars on 

 vigorous trees are likely to heal somewhat during the summer if the 

 pruning is done early. 



THE TREE WARDEN'S OUTFIT. 



E. A. START. 



In some towns the tree warden has the actual work on the trees 

 done by contract. When this plan is followed care should be taken 

 to have a contractor who is competent and responsible. Tree 

 butchers are plenty. Expert tree workers are very few. When the 

 work is done by men employed by the town, under the supervision 

 of the warden or his deputies, it is necessary to have a serviceable 

 equipment. The following list is suggested for a beginner. More 

 of some of the articles will be needed when much work is to be done. 



Approximate Cost. 



1 30 foot extension ladder (to be kept well painted), $6.00 



2 pairs climbing irons (medium length leg iron and straps, 4.30 



Only to be used where ladders are impossible, and never 

 to be trusted to irresponsible men without supervision. 



3 16-foot Waters or Standard pruning hooks, 3.75 



1 one-man cross-cut saw, 1.90 



2 narrow blade carpenter's hand-saws, coarse, 2.00 

 2 half-inch augers and handle (for bolt work), 1.50 

 I i^ in. gouge (for cleaning cavities), .75 

 X i}( in. framing chisel (for cavities), .75 

 I axe, 1. 00 

 I pole saw, bracket form, and six extra blades, 2.00 

 I pole for above, 15 feet, .25 

 I framing mallet, .45 



