240 



PRUNING 



ing occurs. The main framework branches should be well 

 spaced (from 8 to 10 inches or more apart) about the trunk, 

 and those forming wide angles with the trunk should be 

 selected (Fig. 84). 



Five to seven branches may be left to form the head of the 

 tree if the modified-center-leader system is used. The frame- 

 work branches may be spaced over a distance of 4 to 5 feet. 



(Mich. State College) 



Fig. 84. The result of permitting three branches of equal size to arise 



from a single point. 



Often only two or three of these and the center leader are 

 selected after the first yearns growth. The remainder are 

 secured in the course of the next two or three years. As pre- 

 viously indicated, the leader can be directed out into a side 

 branch at any time by cutting back to an outward-growing 

 branch. 



The main framework branches should be headed back 

 during the first two or three years, if they are making long 



