136 



TREES IN" WINTER 



to put out the required foliage to properly nourish the tree and to 

 store up enough reserve food material for the following year's 

 growth. As a result the tree becomes weaker and weaker and, 

 unless it receives help, finally dies. A severe pruning, while dor- 

 mant, tends to throw the tree back into proper balance. 



Except in serious cases, it is not necessary to completely dehorn 

 the tree, many weakened trees require only a severe general prun- 

 ing to put them into proper balance^ and with such it would be 

 unwise to spoil their shape by dehorning. Some ill-formed trees, 

 on the other hand, are improved in shape by a moderate heading- 

 in. Neglected apple trees for example, are being severely dehorned 



Fig-. BO. Old Apple Trees one year after being "dehorned." 



by many growers in New England and New York for the purpose 

 of reducing the height of the trees and of developing new heads 

 nearer the ground. In the most severe cases the whole top is 

 removed, leaving nothing but stubs from which sprouts readily de- 

 velop, and these when properly trained, form the new head. (See 

 figs. 59 and 60). 



AYhen weakened trees are dehorned or severely pruned they 

 should be given good care in every respect. The breaking up of the 

 turf and the application of fertilizers in the spring and the supply- 

 ing of water during dry seasons, will go a long way toward reju- 

 venating old and weakened trees. 



Taking Care of Recent Injuries — Fresh wounds are frequently 

 found on the trunk or main branches of trees. These are usually 

 the result of accident, of carelessness, or of wilful destruction. In 

 some cases trees become girdled from leaving wire labels attached, 

 from guy wires in construction work, or by mischievous boys. In 



