SUMMER PRUNING 153 



When the top of a plant is pruned, it requires judgment and 

 experience. If a tree is the plant which is to be pruned, the 

 most important consideration is the location of the branches 

 along the trunk, which is to form the framework of the tree. 

 It makes little difference what kind of a tree you are pruning 

 at this early stage, the principal consideration should be the 

 even and equal distribution of the side branches along the 

 trunk. There should be no crotches allowed to remain, and 

 the branches should be distributed uniformly, so that the 

 tree will be well balanced. 



In most trees it is desirable to have the main structural 

 branches of the tree composed of from three to five limbs of 

 about equal size. A tree should never be allowed to divide 

 into two limbs which again subdivide because a tree of this 

 type is more likely to split. 



If a bush or a bramble is to be pruned, the proper way 

 is to remove a certain number of the canes. These canes 

 should be cut off close to the surface of the ground. The 

 remainder can be headed back if necessary. 



Pruning the Roots of a Plant. — The pruning of the roots 

 of any plant is necessary whenever transplanting is done. 

 Root pruning is imperative in order to remove any broken 

 or mutilated roots. All of the irregular roots should be 

 shortened or entirely removed. If any roots are killed the 

 dead portions should be cut away until the living part is 

 reached. The pruning should be done with a sharp knife. 

 A slanting cut should be made and in such a way that the 

 cut surface will be on the underside of the root. When the 

 tree is placed in position the cut surfaces should come in 

 contact with the soil either at the sides or the bottom of the 

 hole. 



Summer Pruning. — The pruning of certain plants in the 

 summer is important from several standpoints. This is 

 particularly true of young trees. The energy of a young 

 plant should be directed toward the development of a stout 

 trunk and framework. If an exceptionally good tree is to be 

 formed, careful attention should be given to the pinching off 

 of the undesirable branches, while they are small,^and before 

 they have used up very much of the plant food, which should 



