70 



THE COMPLETE HOME LANDSCAPE 



Summer pinching of healthy 

 growths increases fruitfuhiess 

 (forms more fruit spurs) and 

 causes the wood to ripen early, 

 thus, in wet seasons especially, 

 minimizing the danger of the 

 wood being frozen because of its 

 soft, sappy condition. 



The season in which the 

 pruning is done has considerable 

 influence on flowering or fruit- 

 ing quaHties, because Winter 

 pruning tends to produce wood 

 and Summer pruning does not. 

 Local and chmatic conditions 

 should always be considered; 

 they may necessitate variations 

 in any rule. 



There are two distinct 

 phases of pruning, namely, root pruning and top pruning. While 

 the majority of trees and shrubs secured from a nursery have already 

 been root pruned, it will perhaps not be out of place to outline the 

 method followed. 



Fig. 70.— Showing the correct depth for 



planting an evergreen; the most important 



thing however, is to see that it stands at just 



about the same level it stood at before 



ROOT PRUNING 



The object in pruning the roots of a newly dug tree is twofold: 

 To produce more root fibers (feeding roots), and to expedite the healing 

 of broken and damaged roots. The cut should be cleanly made with 

 a sharp knife or shears, leaving a smooth surface. The cut is best made 

 from the under side upward so that the open surface is facing down. 

 Fruit trees, as a general rule, are root pruned more severely than 

 ornamental or shade trees. This is because the quantity of fruit is 

 increased by the production of more root fibers. To root prune an 

 estabHshed tree, dig a trench around it two to four feet deep, according 

 to the size of the tree, and at a distance from the stem of about half 

 the spread of the branches. All the roots that are uncovered should be 

 cleanly cut. Sometimes it will be found necessary to undermine the 

 tree in order to sever the tap roots which go straight down. The 

 trench should then be filled in with good soil and this firmly tamped. 



