Bui. 1477, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 
Plate l-~~ 
.A 
Plum Trees Before and After Pruning 
A.— A California Blue plum tree growing in an unirrigated section, before, pruning. This 
tree is severely headed back and thinned out each winter, to maintain vigor and insure 
large fruit. (Compare with B) 
B. — The same tree shown in A, after the annual pruning under the system followed to insure 
vegetative vigor and large fruit 
C— A 6-year-old Duarte plum tree growing in fertile irrigated soil, before pruning. This tree 
has been severely headed back each winter 
D.— The same tree shown in C. The severe type of annual pruning here illustrated is often 
practiced to prevent the tree from growing too tall and to admit light. However, a rank 
growth of branches follows and insures large fruit. Dense shade in the interior of the 
tree results by early summer 
