254 



PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING 



applies to Domestica and other varieties as well as to the 

 Japanese kinds. 



200. The mature apricot tree resembles in habit of 

 growth the peach in some respects and the cherry in 

 others. Hence the method of pruning is a modification 

 of the methods employed on these fruit trees. Since the 

 apricot while young grows vigorously, it may then be 

 pruned and trained like the peach so as- to produce a 

 sturdy framework and secure a broad low head. When 



the growth cairns down 

 at three or four years 

 to a normal gait, it pro- 

 duces less wood than 

 the peach, so that from 

 that time forward the 

 pruning may consist 

 merely of heading back 

 and thinning out the 

 stronger growths just 

 enough to keep the 

 fruiting wood in thrifty 

 condition and the tree 

 well in hand. Such pruning will reduce but not obviate 

 the necessity of summer thinning. 



After the trees get old severe pruning may be necessary 

 to develop new fruiting wood in the interior of the tops. 

 This necessity is perhaps of even more frequent occur- 

 rence than with the peach. Hence it is advisable to krcp 

 close watch of the trees from year to year so as to avoid 

 neglect; for even though the apricot will stand much 

 neglect, it will respond nobly to proper care. 



As in the case of the peach the pruning season in com- 

 mercial orchards is through February and March, it is 

 well to delay the work until just before growth starts 

 so as to avoid unnecessary cutting of the fruit buds that 

 have survived the winter. In the Pacific Coast states 

 summer pruning is popular, the work being done as soon 



FIG. 216 WINTER INJURIES 

 Left to right, injured apple, healthy apple, 

 injured plum, healthy plum. Dark part, in- 

 jured; light ring, new wood forming. 



