CARE OF TOP-WORKED TREES 



277 



branches may also need to be headed back somewhat. 

 The idea should be to secure stocky rather than spindling 

 growth and also a strong union of stock and cion. 



Another highly important point is to remove the water 

 sprouts and suckers that almost always develop on the 

 stubs and trunks of the stock trees. Some of these 

 growths, however, may be left to shade the trunks if 

 there is danger of sun 

 scald. To make them 

 serve this purpose most 

 effectively, they should 

 be pinched back to 

 make them branch and 

 thus develop more 

 leaves. Except for such 

 purposes they should 

 be rubbed off as soon 

 as they form. 



In the spring of the 

 year following the 

 grafting the grafts 

 should be pruned in 

 much the same way as 

 young trees are han- 

 dled at that time. Pref- 

 erably no growths 

 should be left longer 

 than 18 inches, and 

 when they are not of 

 satisfactory length they 

 should be cut back 



severely (Fig. 236) so as to make them develop better 

 growths the second season. Should two or more of the buds 

 on the original cion grow, all but the best-placed twig 

 should be cut oft, to prevent crowding. Usually the 

 lowest bud will make the best growth and should there- 

 fore be saved. Perhaps some training may be necessary 



FIG. 237 — NEW GROWTH AT END OF 

 SECOND SEASON ON TOP-WORKED 

 APPLE TREE. (Shown in Fig. 236.) 



