PRUNING THE DIFFERENT TREE FRUITS 243 



trees are too close together, part of them, usually alternate 

 trees, should be removed. One of the first things to do in 

 pruning is to remove all dead limbs. Cut them off close to the 

 limbs from which they are growing, or close to the trunk if 

 they are attached directly to it. If the main scaffold limbs 

 are too numerous remove some of them. The tops of the trees 

 will usually need lowering, if vigorous fruiting wood is to be 

 produced where it can be pruned and the crops thinned, 

 sprayed, and picked efficiently. In such cases head back to 

 side branches. It is not necessary or desirable to head back 

 more than 5 to 10 feet the first season. 



All branches left should be thoroughly thinned out by 

 making many small cuts to reduce competition and to admit 

 sunlight to all parts. 



As a result of such severe pruning, water sprouts or 

 "suckers" will probably grow in considerable numbers. Where 

 limbs are needed, the most vigorous of these sprouts can be 

 saved, and shortened back the following year. It is surprising 

 how quickly they will develop, complete the symmetry of the 

 tree, and bear fruit. 



In removing large limbs, it is advisable first to saw up 

 from the under side of such limbs. They can then be sawed 

 through from above so that splitting and tearing of the wood 

 and bark will not result when the limbs fall. 



With fertilization, pruning, spraying, and proper soil man- 

 agement, such orchards can often be completely reclaimed. 

 Future pruning should be as indicated for bearing trees. 



Protecting Pruning Wounds. It seems unnecessary to 

 paint wounds smaller than 2 inches in diameter, as they heal 

 quickly. 



When large limbs are removed, the wound should be pro- 

 tected from disease organisms, sun, wind, and rain by cover- 

 ing with some suitable material. Coal-tar preparations, as- 

 phaltum mixtures, grafting wax, zinc paint, water glass, white 

 lead, and various other materials are used. All these mate- 

 rials, except grafting wax and possibly the water glass (sodium 



