PRUNING 



261 



sprouts. This is because the tree endeavors to restore the 

 natural balance existing between the top and the root 

 system. It takes a tree two or three years after a severe 

 pruning to become productive again. The first important 

 rule of pruning is to prune 

 regularly and lightly. 



Pruning has two im- 

 portant functions : (i) to 

 modify the vigor and 

 fruitfulness of the tree, 

 and (2) to secure a tree 

 of such form as to produce 

 fruit most economically. 

 The latter function is of 

 great importance. Dur- 

 ing the earlier years 

 pruning consists largely 

 in shaping the tree so 

 that the spraying, thin- 

 ning, and harvesting may 

 be most easily performed. 



The height from the 

 ground at which the 

 branching should begin 

 varies with the different Fig. 137. 

 kinds of fruits and with 

 the various localities in which they are grown. In some 

 sections, peaches are pruned so that their heads are 

 formed but a very short distance from the ground, while 

 in other places they are started a foot and a half to two and 

 a half feet from the ground. In general, apples are so 

 pruned that their heads are formed eighteen inches to three 



Pear tree after planting. Before 

 and after pruning. 



