58 
ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE 
sary competition, (5) Removing excessive woody 
growths, (6) Preventing old orchards. 
The Time to Prune varies with the kinds of fruit 
grown. Early training of fruit trees is important. After 
young trees have been growing in the orchard for one 
year, it is important to begin to train the top in the way 
it should grow. Main branches are selected, alternat¬ 
ing about the trunk of the tree; other branches will de¬ 
velop from these during the next year. Branches are 
often “trained” by pinching buds, to prevent the growth 
of watersprouts. The tops of trees may be kept low 
by this pinching process. This is especially desirable 
in large commercial orchards. 
Pruning involves the making of neat cuts in removing 
branches. Tools should be sharp so that the green bark 
layer may not be torn. A clean sloping cut insures 
prompt healing of the wounds. Large branches should 
first be notched by sawing from the underside. Then 
cut the limb, leaving enough branch to insure healing 
without injuring the tree. Paint should be applied to 
large wounds, to prevent rotting of the heart wood. 
Very late pruning may injure trees, and experienced 
fruit growers practice a system of pruning at various 
times in the year. 
The needs and likes of the grower determine to a 
large extent the time and amount of pruning. Each 
kind of tree demands a different type of training. It is 
generally considered advisable to prune during the dor¬ 
mant season for the heavy cuttings. Small growths are 
removed at any time. 
Control of Disease.—The best way to prevent dis¬ 
eases of fruit trees is to avoid a start of the infection. 
Strong, vigorous trees of resistant varieties should be se- 
