OUTPOST NURSERIES, Ridgefield, Conn. 151 
About Pruning ( Cont. ) 
Pruning can best be done after the material has 
been set and properly faced, as desired shape can 
then be determined. 
No set rule can be given for pruning, as to the 
amount of growth to remove. 
The principle involved is the correct balance be¬ 
tween the root system and the top growth. 
As the root system suffers a shock in transplanting, 
the feeding load should be lightened by reducing 
the wood in the top of the tree or shrub. 
All types of trees and plants can and should be 
pruned ( or sheared ) to some degree, after estab¬ 
lished, to maintain compactness and vigor. 
Balled and burlapped shade trees and flowering 
shrubs are more costly than bare rooted ones, but 
usually need somewhat less pruning when trans¬ 
planted and therefore assume definite shapes more 
quickly. 
Prune shade, ornamental and fruit trees in earlv 
spring as soon as severe weather has passed. 
Midsummer and fall blooming shrubs (types which 
bloom on new growth ) should be pruned in early 
spring quite severely. The more new growth the 
more blooms there will be.. Hybrid Tea Roses also 
come in this group. 
