54 



is to cause a bushy development of branches and retard the 

 bearing. This result is due to the fact that the buds nearest 

 the cut surface or wound make the greatest response the 

 following season and fewer buds are left to develop into spurs 

 than where the terminal is not cut. So that unless it is neces- 

 sary to stimulate vegetative growth the heading back or 

 "shearing" of mature trees should be confined to overgrowing 

 branches. 



The thinning-out process will remove cross limbs and others 

 which cause the tree to be too dense. The result of this type 

 of pruning is to maintain and develop the maximum number 

 of fruit spurs and bring the tree into early bearing. Usually 

 a combination of the two types of pruning is necessary at 

 some periods in the life of a tree. 



Cardinal Points in Peitning the Mature Tree. 



In addition to the considerations above mentioned the follow- 

 ing points should be borne in mind : — 



1. Remove Dead Branches. — Remove all dead branches, also 

 diseased or injured parts, in order to safeguard the remaining 

 portions of the tree. Some exceptions to this may be noted 

 in case such a disease as black rot canker (Sphceropsis malorum) 

 is found abundantly through the tree. Tf it were all removed, 

 little would remain of some trees, hence it is often retained 

 until the limb shows evidence of decline. 



2. Open up the Tree. — If the tree has become too thick and 

 "bushy" it will be necessary to remove a portion of the limbs 

 or a weakening of the fruit spurs results, and fruit inferior in 

 size, color and quality will be produced. Rubbing limbs should 

 be removed, and long, rangy limbs which are out of propor- 

 tion should be headed back. The extent of this work will de- 

 pend upon the experience and judgment of the operator. 



3. Avoid Removal of Fruit Spurs. — This matter is para- 

 mount, and a thorough understanding of the i way a tree bears 

 its fruit must be one of the basic guides in the removal of 

 branches. There are times when it is desirable to remove a 

 portion of the spurs or portions of the individual spur. 



4. Stubs are to be avoided. — In removing limbs or branches, 

 no matter how small, they should be cut close to the trunk 



