246 



PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE Or PRUNING 



(1). That in cases of winter injury like that mentioned above 

 practically nothing is to be gained by the h^sty removal of the 

 greater portion of the head of the tree. In other words, severe 

 pruning is inadvisable and is probably more often injurious than 

 beneficial. (2). That in the light of the observations made it would 

 seem advisable to defer pruning operations to the latter part of the 

 growing season or possibly until the following spring. (3). That 

 whenever pruning is to be done no more branches should be removed 

 than is necessary to preserve the balance of the tree top. (4). That 

 winter injury could be avoided by keeping the tree in a thrifty, vigor- 

 ous condition. Weak, unhealthy trees are less able to stand extremes 

 of temperature than thrifty ones. Compare statements by Whitten 

 (203). 



195. Mature pear trees, if properly trained while young 

 and if healthy, require little pruning. Even when un- 



FIG. 206 



PRUNED APPLE 

 This is the same 

 tree as shown in 

 FIR. 205. 



FIG. 207 AUGUST 

 Tree shown in F'g. 

 206 as seen in August; 

 67 days after pruning. 



FIG. 203 



SEPTEMBER SHOWING 

 One hundred and ten 

 days after pruning tree 

 shown in Fig. 207. 



pruned they bear tolerably well. 

 But for high-grade fruit judicious 

 pruning is necessary. In general the fruiting habit resembles 

 the apple. The habit of growth is more erect, but pear trirs 

 may be readily trained in almost any form desired, as, for 

 instance, espaliers, cordons, etc. (Chapter XVII). Gen- 

 erally the trees in commercial orchards develop as nature 

 dictates, but broad, low heads are not hard to secure. 



