246 



TRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING 



(1). That in cases of winter injury like that mentioned above 

 practically nothing is to be gained by the h^'sty removal of the 

 greater portion of the head of the tree. In other words, severe 

 pruning is inadvisable and is probably more often injurious than 

 beneiicial. (2), That in the light of the observations made it would 

 seem advisable to defer pruning operations to the latter part of the 

 growing seasi>n or possibly until the following spring. (3). That 

 whenever pruning" is to be done no more branches should be removed 

 than is necessary to preserve the balance of the tree top. (4). That 

 winter injury could be avoided by keeping the tree in a thrifty, vigor- 

 ous condition. Weak, unhealthy trees are less able to stand extremes 

 of temperature than thrifty ones. Compare statements by Whitten 



195. Mature pear trees, if properly trained while young 

 and if healthy, require little pruning. Even when un- 



FIG. 206 

 PRUNED APPLE 

 This is the same 

 Irce as shown in 

 Fi;;. 205. 



FIG. 207— AUGUST 

 Tree shown in F K. 

 206 as seen in August; 

 67 days after pruning. 



FIT, 2I)'"< 

 SEPTEMBER SHOWING 

 One hundred and ten 

 days after pruning tree 

 sho\vn in Fig, 207. 



pruned they bear tolerably well. 

 I!ut fur high-grade fruit judiciuu.s 

 jiruning is necessary. In general the fruiting haljit resembles 

 the apple. The habit of growth is more erect, but pear trees 

 may ]>e readily trained in aliuost any form desired, as, fur 

 instance, espaliers, cordons, etc. (Chapter X\'II). Gen- 

 erally the trees in commercial orchards develop as nature 

 dictates, but broad, low heads are not hard to secure. 



