54 POPULAR FRUIT GROWING. 



the tree should perhaps be more open than in a dryer district 



to permit more sunlight to enter the top of the tree. 



Too open a head in some districts might lead to sunscald of 

 tree and fruits. In the irrigated districts much extra wood is 

 cut out and still the fruits of the trees must not be exposed too 

 much. In many districts it is well to prune very little other than 

 to remove dead wood and interlocking branches. 



Pruning the Young Tree.— Pruning should commence with, 

 the setting of the young tree. When it is received from the 

 nursery all bruised roots should be shortened with a sharp knife. 

 The top should be cut back to correspond to the amount the 

 root has been shortened. 



If the climatic conditions are moist and the soil rich, not as 

 much wood will need to be removed as in a dry season when 

 the soil and atmosphere are dry. Some growers even advocate 

 very severe root and top pruning as is given by those who follow 

 the Stringfellow method. This system is probably too severe 

 for general planting. 



Start the Head Low.— If a tree is properly handled from th© 

 time it is planted little heavy pruning will be needed. Heavy 

 pruning is always objectionable since the wounds do not heal 

 over as readily as the small ones and are thus more apt to cause 

 permanent injury to the trees. Any branches that interlock or 

 that are giving the tree an unbalanced appearance should be 

 taken out. It is generally conceded that a low-headed tree is 

 the best type to grow because the spraying and picking of the 

 fruit may be mor£ easily and economically done and there is less 

 danger from storms. The head should be started from 18 to 24 

 inches from the ground. If properly handled this will permit 

 of easy cultivation. Too many branches should not be allowed 

 to make up the head or it will become crowded. Three or four 

 are plenty and with careful attention will form a symmetrical 

 head. 



When to Prune. — Small limbs may be taken off at any time 

 of the year. Large limbs should be taken when the tree is dor- 

 mant. The best time is in late winter just before growth starts. 

 There is less danger of the wound drying out and cracking if 

 done then than if done early in the fall. Pruning is usually 



