Pruning and Thinning 263 



It is usually customary to remove some 50 to 60 per cent 

 of the first year's growth on each of the selected scaffold 

 branches, provided the tree has made a vigorous growth. 

 However, as previously mentioned, all of the scaffold 

 branches should be cut back to approximately the same 

 height, measured from the ground. In the succeeding 

 year, two secondary branches are usually selected on each 

 primary branch, the others being removed. The next year 

 these secondary branches are usually shortened by the 

 removal of about 40 per cent of the season's growth. 

 However, the secondary branches should not be left shorter 

 than a foot. 



Pruning during the succeeding two or three seasons is 

 along similar lines, except that the amount of heading back 

 is lessened each year, provided the tree does not make too 

 rank a growth. 



Advantages of the vase-shaped tree. 



1. The penetration of light and air is permitted to all parts 

 of the top, which results in a high percentage of functioning 

 fruiting wood and much highly colored fruit. 



2. The method results in a low, spreading, well balanced tree. 



3. The type and form is easily established and maintained. 



4. The ideal may be closely approached with every one-year- 

 old whip. 



Disadvantages. 



1. The trees are often structurally weak, due to the fact that 

 the scaffold branches frequently issue from practically the same 

 point, thus leaving weak crotches. 



2. Artificial supports are frequently necessary to avoid split- 

 ting at the crotches when the trees reach bearing age. 



3. When one main or scaffold branch splits off, the other 



