THE PRINCIPLES OF PRUNING 



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Fig. 73.— Top pruning to produce an upright, symmetrical leader or main trunk 



shape of the tree will permit — even removing it altogether if possible. 

 (Fig. 73). In many young trees the main stem shoots up very tall 

 and develops few side branches. In such a case the leader should be 

 shortened to induce a more bushy top, when a new leader will be 

 formed (Fig. 72). If the tree is on or near the sidewalk, all low branches 

 should be removed so as to leave at least seven or eight feet clearance 

 for pedestrians. On a young tree these low branches may simply be 

 shortened until the main stem is sufficiently strong and thick to permit 

 them to be cut off closely. If, however, the tree is on the lawn, the 

 lower branches may be allowed to remain, and only the weak or cross- 

 ing branches need be removed, as well as those that project beyond 

 the general outline of the tree. Sometimes trees become too dense or 

 crowded and need to be thinned out. Before cutting it is advisable 

 to mark those branches which can be removed without spoihng the 

 shape or leaving a hole in the head. Thinning in this way, that is, by 



