PRUNING 



253 



energy; but when the pinching has been neglected, the 

 shoots that grow out of symmetry may be cut back during 

 the dormant period. 



In pruning for symmetry, the plant should generally 

 be encouraged to develop the form that is natural to 

 the particular species or variety, e.g., the American elm 

 tree (Ulmus americana) 

 which naturally devel- 

 ops an open, somewhat 

 spreading head, tend- 

 ing to be broadest 

 toward the top, should 

 not be pruned to the 

 same form as the sugar 

 maple (Acer saccharum) 

 that develops a more 

 roundish and compact 

 head. Evergreens are 

 sometimes pruned to 

 ideal forms, as in to- 

 piary work, a practice 

 that is generally con- 

 demned by good taste. 



Pruning for picturesqueness is seldom employed. It 

 requires a thorough knowledge of pruning and of plant 

 growth, combined with the conceptions of the artist. 



423. Stockiness and slenderness. Pruning for 

 stockiness aims to develop a low head, with abundant 

 branching, and a strong trunk. It is best accomplished 

 by pinching (416) the uppermost growing points during 

 the growth period, and encouraging low branching on 

 the stem. If a spreading form is desired, the lower 

 branches should be pruned to outside buds (Fig. 158). 



FIG. 160. Raspberry cane rendered 

 stocky by pruning. 



