Pruning for Balance 99 
new fibrils may form in the natural direction. Bruised 
roots, if too much lacerated to promise ready healing, aie 
also better removed, since they may otherwise become 
starting points for rot. If they cannot be dispensed with 
without too much loss to the 
tree their treatment may fol- 
low the prescription for treat- 
ing wounds in general (see 
page 89). 
Next comes the trimming 
back of the head to balance 
with the root system, keeping in mind in the choice of parts 
to be removed the height from the ground at which it is 
desired to start the crown. 
Injured or misshapen parts are, of course, the first to be 
subjected to the knife. Next a heading in of the tips of 
spindling branches may suffice, with due reference to desir- 
able shape of the crown. Finally, if this seems insufficient, 
whole branches may be entirely removed by cutting them 
out close to the stem. When it seems undesirable to use 
the knife, the balance may be attained by breaking out buds, 
and this is the preferable method, especially in conifers, as 
the knife 1s apt to spoil their form. 
If, in the planted tree, balance between the root system 
and crown system has been disturbed, as may be occasioned 
by the loss of roots through 
grading, the same operation of 
balancing the crown is needed, 
always keeping in mind that 
the tree will, unaided, restore 
the balance, but without reference to its appearance; hence 
it is desirable to anticipate the natural process. 
The need of pruning for balance when part of the root 
Fic 2y — Pruning axe 
FiG 30 — Brush axe 
