PLAXTIXG AXD CARE OF TREES 



121 



the spring, for some trees are likely to suffer seriously from the 

 loss of sap. Should any dead or diseased branches be observed 

 during the summer it is always well, for the sake of appearance, to 

 remove them immediately. 



Pruning Tools — The tools actually necessary for pruning are 

 few in number, but good workmen are very particular with regard 

 to the character of their tools. There are saws specially designed 

 for the purpose, but a large proportion of them are useless. Some 

 workmen prefer one type and some another. A small but very 

 convenient saw is shown in figure 48. This is called the California 

 Pruning Saw and comes in three sizes based upon the length of 



Fig-. 48. Pruning- Tools. A 14-inch California Pruning Saw and 

 good type of Pruning- Shears. 



the blade as follows : 12, 14 and 18-inch. This saw is too small for 

 work where there are many large limbs to be cut, but it should 

 be included in every pruner's kit. A larger saw also w^ill be neces- 

 sary. A saw of good size and with large teeth, known as Atkins' 

 Universal Saw, No. 83, is a favorite with many people. A one- 

 man saw, which is a small cross-cut saw, will be found useful 

 for the cutting of very large limbs. 



The pruner will also require a good set of pruning shears like 

 those shown in figure 48. These are especially useful in pruning 

 young trees. There is a knack in using hand shears that when 

 acquired will greatly facilitate their use. The cutting blade should 

 be placed on the upper side of the branch so that the weight of 

 the latter will relieve the binding. It is advisable also to have the 

 non-cutting blade toward the side to be removed to avoid injuring 

 the part that is to remain. 



Long-handled loppers are useful in "lopping'' off the ends of 

 branches. These are similar to hand shears but are attached to 

 a twelve or fifgteen-foot pole. The shears are operated by the 



