Pruning and Thinning 



273 



may be modified without drastic pruning. An open center 

 tree, for example, should be continued as such. A modi- 

 fied leader should not be removed in ^ 



later years in order to develop an 

 open center tree. The type of train- 

 ing should be established during the 

 first three years and this same style 

 should be followed out year after 

 year. 



Trees four to ten years old that 

 have been pruned with no definite 

 type in view often present some very 

 perplexing problems. The number 

 and proper distribution of scaffold 

 branches should be definitely chosen 

 and part of the most objectionable 

 branches removed the first year. In 

 cases where there are a dozen main 

 branches when half that number 

 would suifice, it may be advisable to 

 select only six for the permanent 

 framework. The removal of the ob- 

 jectionable branches should be distributed over a period of 

 two or three years, however. 



Young trees which have been neglected should be cut 

 back rather heavily to encourage the development of good 

 strong laterals near the base of the limb. When heading 

 back has been neglected and the result has been long rangy 

 branches with weak lateral development, it may be neces- 

 sary to cut back into two- or three-year-old wood. When 

 a good side branch is available, it is advisable to cut back 

 to the side branch instead of to a bud. 



Pro. 8. Common 

 type of trunk and 

 lower framework of 

 Rome Beauty un- 

 der northwest con- 

 ditions. 



