PRUNING THE ORANGPJ 



447 



All these progressive tendencies carry the orange nearer to the 

 application of the principles of pruning which are discussed in 

 detail in Chapter XII, including the rational recourse to more 

 severe pruning or cutting back to induce a growth of new and 

 stronger wood for subsequent bearing. In other cases cutting 

 back of varieties inclined to make a rank wood growth, like the 

 Valencia Late, to encourage a better supply of fruiting wood, 

 is being advocated. It seems clear that there are important ends 

 to be gained by more pruning of the orange tree, and by earnest 

 thinking and close observation along this line. 



Fig. 5. Tendency of clipped branches to rise. 



It has been held that it was necessary to prune the young 

 tree to quite a high head at first to allow for the natural droop 

 of the branches, and the result is seen in many young trees with 

 slim stems and umbrella-like tops. It is better to develop a stout 

 stem by allowing for a time a low growth upon it and then raise 

 it later by removal of the lower growth which has done good 

 service and outlived its usefulness. By wise underpruning it is 

 possible not only to secure a shapely and convenient tree but 

 also to so train the lower growth that it shall present good, low 

 bearing wood without groveling in the dust. 



Unquestionably the drooping habit of budded orange trees is 

 largely due to their treatment. A grower who does not believe 

 in pruning allows the branches to extend too far horizontally, 



