PRUNING YOUNG TREES 



229 



upon branch formation upon the trunk, the number of branches tc 

 each 6 inches of trunk was noted in all grades and treatments of the 

 experiment with Belle of Georgia trees. The numbers of branches 

 at various heights upon the unpruned trees are of direct interest 

 because they should indicate fairly accurately the distribution of buds 

 and branches at the time the trees were set. As dead branches were 

 not recorded, however, the actual distribution of branches at time of 

 planting may not be accurately indicated by these figures. 



PEACff TRUNK, 1 

 Close view of lower part 

 of one-year trunk. Note 

 buds and branches. 



FIG. 195 GOOD YEARLING PEACH 

 This 1-inch caliper tree is exceptional a9 

 to size and branch development. The num- 

 bers indicate the height in inches from the 

 bud at A. 



The observations upon tbe unpruned trees as a group show that 

 the number of branches increases for each succeeding 6 inches of 

 trunk from the ground to a height of 24 inches. From this height 

 to 36-inch the number remains quite uniform and then decreases 

 for each succeeding 6 inches of height. The unpruned trees of the 

 >6 grade vary, to a slight degree from this rule. The decrease in 



