PRUNING 



263 



In pruning bearing trees, the object is to produce vigor 

 and fruitfulness. All dead branches should be removed 

 and others thinned where crowded, as high-colored fruit 

 cannot be produced without sunlight. A good circulation 

 of air through the tree is desirable in the production of 

 clean, healthy fruit. All branches of a tree should grow 

 outward like the spokes of a wheel. When they cross and 

 interlace they steal the space allotted to each other, and 

 as they enlarge they rub and chafe each other. 



One should endeavor to keep the tops of the trees from 

 growing too high, so that the fruit may % be sprayed and 

 harvested without difficulty. Hence, in pruning bearing 

 trees, it is frequently necessary to cut back the tops a short 

 distance and also to open up the center of the tree to let 



Fig- 139- An apple tree before pruning. Fig. 140. The same tree after pruning. 



in the light and air. Severe pruning in this manner, how- 

 ever, will frequently cause serious damage from sun scald. 



Although trees may be pruned at almost any season of 

 the year except when the sap is flowing, early spring is 

 usually the best time. Pruning during the dormant stage 

 stimulates growth, while summer pruning seems to weaken 



