53 



branches are selected radially about the main stem.i The 

 semi-leader type of tree is essentially different, in that the 

 central leader is not removed at planting time but is allowed 

 to remain and develop some 2 feet or more above the first 

 set of scaffold branches, when the terminal is removed to 

 prevent it continuing into a full leader tree. The result of 

 this type of pruning is to secure what amounts to two sets 

 of scaffold limbs, one some distance above the other, or else 

 some branches distributed above the entire axis. The value 

 of this type of tree is that the side or scaffold limbs are more 

 strongly built and not so likely to be broken out by a heavy 

 crop as in the case of the vase-shaped tree. This type of 

 tree is gaining in favor in many sections of the East. 



The leader or pyramidal type of tree has all its limbs de- 

 veloped from a central leader much as a pine tree. The 

 limbs are strongly built and the loss of any individual limbs 

 is of slight importance compared with the open tree, but it 

 is not as desirable as the semi-leader. The branches are 

 likely to crowd and the resulting fruit is adversely affected. 



Heading Back versus Thinning Out. 



In the actual pruning operation there are two different 

 types of procedure to consider, namely, heading back and 

 thinning out. The first refers to the cutting back of the 

 shoot or branch, hence removing the terminal growing point 

 and a certain number of the lateral buds or shoots nearest 

 the terminus of the branch. The second, on the other hand, 

 refers to the removal of surplus branches or shoots without 

 any cutting back process. The effects of these two types of 

 pruning are different and should be considered by the careful 

 orchardist. 



In general, the young tree must have some heading back 

 for about three years in order to develop a strong, well- 

 branched framework. After this only the long> rangy branches 

 which are out of proportion should be headed in. The result 

 of heading back mature trees, or those just passing through 

 the transition stage from vegetative to reproductive growth, 



' With no two opposite each other. 



