268 The Farm Woodlot 



somewhat from the usual form. This may often be done 

 to advantage. If there is any question about pruning a 

 tree, always let it alone. 



To prevent wind breakage 



Certain trees are very liable to breakage in windy places. 

 These are always trees in which the branches form a sharp 

 angle at the fork. The soft maple and the white elm are 

 typical and probably the worst offenders in this respect. 

 Their natural shape is very beautiful and should not be 

 tampered with except when experience has shown that 

 they cannot stand the strain. If the soft maple is planted 

 on the prairies or in any other unusually windy location, 

 its spreading tendency should be thwarted as much as 

 possible by severe pruning, for the wood is weak and 

 brittle. Close forks should be prevented as much as 

 possible. The wood of the elm is stronger and tougher; 

 the fork is its weak point. When it will not disfigure the 

 tree, one of the branches should be cut off. The essential 

 forks can be strengthened by boring a hole through both 

 branches about two or three feet above the fork and putting 

 in a long bolt well washered at both ends. This will often 

 prevent breakage and preserve the natural shape of the 

 tree. Conifers never need pruning except in the case of 

 dead or injured limbs, with the exception of arborvitse or 

 red cedar when used in a hedge. The commonest reason 

 for pruning is to clean the lower limbs from the trunk so 

 that one can walk under the tree. ■ This can always be 

 safely done, but it should be remembered that this low 

 branching is one of the chief beauties of some trees, 

 especially such conifers as spruce, balsam and larch. 



