
How to Prune Before Planting 
Many failures of newly transplanted stock are due to 
the lack of proper pruning. When the trees are dug in 
the nursery, some of the feeding roots are left in the 
ground, therefore, when transplanting it is necessary to 
restore the balance between the roots and the top by 
removing part of the tops. 
In pruning, make a clean sharp cut. Do not leave 
stub ends in removing branches. Pruning shears, knives 
and hand saws are the best tools to use. All tools 
should be sharp. 
Shade Trees. With shade trees having a heavy top, 
at least one-third of the top should be removed. Prune 
branches at points indicated by black lines (see illustra- 
tion at bottom of page). Prune to avoid crowding 
branches. Cut out some of the small branches, shorten 
back the side branches, but do not cut off the leader or 
main stem. Try -to get well developed head, strong 
leader and branches at wide, not close, angles. Cut off all 
broken roots. © 
Shrubs. It is easier to prune shrubs before they are 
ee ae This is likewise the only time the roots can 
e pruned. Cut off damaged or frayed roots just above 
the point affected. Thin out tops of many branched 
shrubs, removing the 
Wrong Right old wood. Cut tops 
Hole too Hole large, ’ back from one-third 
small, roots reots spread . to one-half. (See illus- 
crowded. out. tration, page 7.) 
With branched Ap- 
ple and Pear Trees, 
select three to five 
side branches on dif- 
ferent sides of the 
trunk and 6 to 8 
inches apart and cut 
back one-third their 
length. Select one of 
the top upright 
SET SLIGHTLY branches and cut it 
DEEPER. THAN back in proportion to 
STOOD IN + the side branches. 
NURSERY ROW fee ymur Cut off all other 
peti 9453 branches close to the 
trunk. (See illustra- 
tion, page 5.) 
With Apple and 
Pear Whips having 
no side branches, 
simply cut off the top 
. , : just above a bud 2 to 
Prune branches at points indi- 2% feet from the 
eated by black lines, do not clip ground. (See illustra- 
ends, cut off broken roots, tion page 5.) 


