THINNING THE APPLE 229 



Beginning of Third Year: Allow two or three lateral limbs to 

 remain on each of the main branches. Top the tree again, taking 

 off from one-third to one-half the previous year's growth. Con- 

 tinue this method during the first four years ,at which time the 

 tree should begin to bear, and if surrounding conditions are favor- 

 able, it will prove strong, vigorous and capable of sustaining a 

 heavy load of apples. The after treatment will consist mainly in 

 keeping the top properly thinned. 



After coming into bearing there must be intelligent pruning 

 according to the growth-habit of the variety. Some varieties, like 

 the Yellow Bellflower, resent heavy pruning after coming into bear- 

 ing, and slow growers like the Yellow Newtown Pippin, do not 

 need it. On the other hand varieties, like the Winesap and Smith's 

 Cider, are apt to make long slim branches and bear at the ends. 

 This can be corrected by cutting back to secure more short shoots 

 which will bear better fruit. Some varieties, like the Jonathan, will 

 make plenty of short spurs under this treatment while others like 

 Rome Beauty and Rhode Island Greening are persistent tip-bearers, 

 but can be gradually drawn in without reducing the crop too much. 

 The grower must study his varieties not only with reference to 

 this but in forming the tree, cutting to an inside bud all varieties 

 which naturally take a horizontal direction, and cutting to an 

 outside bud varieties which have a tendency to send up tall, straight 

 shoots. By thus throwing the new growth upward in the first 

 case, and outward in the second, one can shape each kind to greater 

 symmetry and strength for fruit carrying, and bring up all spread- 

 ing varieties to a form which admits near approach of the plow 

 and cultivator. This manner of shaping the tree must continue 

 as long as seems necessary to secure a tree which will come to 

 bearing age shapely and strong, and within reach. 



Bearing trees should not be allowed to carry too many branches, 

 and pruning will largely consist of thinning out surplus shoots and 

 removing interference between branches. It is not desirable to 

 shorten-in the apple as is done with the apricot and peach. 



Summer pruning to reduce wood growth and promote bearing 

 is practiced to a limited extent in some districts upon varieties 

 inclined to shy bearing. In regions of the most intense summer 

 heat, less pruning is admissible than in the coast and elevated 

 regions. It is necessary that the foliage be dense to protect the 

 tree and the fruit from sunburn. Nor does the tree seem to relish 

 cutting back. Slight thinning out if the tree becomes too brushy, 

 seems to be the best treatment in some of the hot valleys. 



Thinning the Fruit. One of the most important items in the 

 handling of an apple orchard is the faithful thinning out of the 

 fruit of all varieties which are prone to over-bear, and this work 

 is now regularly provided for by the leading commercial growers. 



