CHAPTER XL 

 PRinsriisrG of trees and ornamentals. 



140. Need of Pruning. — Lindley said many years ago: 

 " If well directed, pruning is one of the most useful, and 

 if ill directed it is among the most mischievous, that can 

 take place on a plant." It is too common to wait until 

 undesirable habits of growth are apparent and then set a 

 time for a general thinning out and shaping of trees and 

 shrubs. The effect of this severe pruning is to secure a 

 heavy growth of new wood in moist climates, and in dry 

 interior climates it often starts blight, sap-stagnation, and 

 sun-scald on the south side. The general rule for all 

 pruning is simple : it should begin as trees or shrubs are 

 received and heeled in (119) and be continued lightly 

 each year until they reach, in the case of apple-trees, the 

 "heading-back period" (144). 



Always keep in mind the aphorism of Professor Bailey : 

 " Trees which are alternately neglected and heavily pruned 

 are kept in a condition which is apt to be fatal to the best 

 productiveness." 



141. Pruning in Nursery. — After setting grafts in 

 nursery, if more than one bud starts from the scion rub 

 off the surplus as soon as observed. As growth advances, 

 clip the lower side branches, but in no case rub off the leaf- 

 bracts or small clusters of leaves with which the stem is 

 clothed. Budded trees on strong stocks may be permitted 

 to form a head the first season where low-stemmed trees 



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