394 



THE APPLE 



that are naturally spreading and in cases where a more upright 

 growth is desired, the cutting may be done just beyond an upright 

 side branch. If this method is followed with all horizontal branches, 

 a much stronger structure will be the result. 



The severity of heading in will depend largely on the vigor of 

 the tree. Nothing will start a tree into renewed growth like severe 

 pruning during the dormant season. The cutting back, therefore, 

 should be more severe with weakened trees. With moderately 



Fig. 175. Expensive renovation 



Trees very tall and therefore expensive to renovate. Often the purchaser of a farm practices 



renovating the old trees in order to have fruit immediately, at the same time planting young 



trees for the future 



vigorous trees there is danger of producing a rank growth in the 

 form of water sprouts. If it is desirable to head back such trees 

 thoroughly, it is better to do it gradually, a little each year, and 

 withhold all nitrogenous fertilizers. A still better plan is to remove 

 about half of the required amount of brush during the winter and 

 the remainder during the growing season. Summer pruning pro- 

 duces just the opposite effect of winter pruning on the vigor of 

 the tree, and will counteract the stimulating effect of the latter. 

 With many neglected orchards, however, the vitality is so low that 

 most of the pruning may be done without fear of injury during 

 a single dormant season. 



