The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-07-15
On Pruning Trees and Vines.

The subject of pruning trees and vines of all
kinds, the mode, and the time and the amount of
pruning to be done, is receiving much atten-
tion from pomologists. AS might be expected
| from the various experience or theories Of OBJ
servers, and the stand point from which they
draw their conclusions, there is much diversity
of opinion, some condemning it altogether,
and others advocating the free use Of the knife
These Discrepancies are more apparent than
real, if we keep in mind the true and ultimate
object of pruning, and the effect we wish to
produce.
1t may safely be asserted as general princi-
pie in vegetable physiology, that all pruning Is
more or less injurious to the aveH being Of the
living plant.
In a state of nature, or when tree or vine
is left to itself, there is a gradual adjustment
and equilibrium established between the roots
and branches. There are roots enough to alb
sorb and carry up the nutritive fluid, and there
| are branches, with their leaves, enough to work
it up and assimilate the nutrition. When this
equilibrium is disturbed injury, disease, or
death follows. The degree of injury will de-
pend upon such circumstances, such as the
amount Of pruning, the time when it is done,
and the constitution and habits of the particu-
lar plant. Some bear pruning better than
others, and in winter better than in summer.
We may take lesson from the manner in
which nature does her pruning. 1t is always
sure and safe process. Take young tree, a
pine, for example. There are q number of
small laterals. AS the tree grows upwards and
the trunk enlarges the sap has tendency to
pass on to the upper portion these laterals be-
gin to lose their vitality and ct length die out
and fall to the ground. In the old tree there
is not even trace left of these primary
branches, and their very scars are obliterated.
Very different is the effect when, by artificial
means, a vigorous, healthy limb is Topped off.
The equilibrium between roots and branches is
suddenly destroyed, and the plant receives
shock to its system, which impairs vitality to
some extent.
But in all kinds of cultivation, whether for
ornament or for fruit, we find it better to sacri-
flee somewhat the health or longevity of the
plant for some other advantage to be gained, of
greater value. We prune our fruit trees and
grape vines to keep them within bounds and
give them shape better to resist the effect of a
too hot sun, or high winds, and also by reduc-
ing the amount of woody growth, to obtain
better fruit. So also of hedges, or other artifi-
cial shapes we may desire to produce A hedge
is collection of stunted, half starved, i'll con-
ditioned individuals, but when taken as whole,
its general effect (Which is the thing sought
after is useful or pleasing. Whatever may be
the chief object in cultivation, whether it be
the perfection of fruit or flowers, or usefulness
as hedge, or ornamental shape, we seek that,
and not the longevity Of the plant. If the
plant could not furnish these requisites, it
would not be worth the cultivation at all. The
true end and aim of all pruning, therefore, is to
do just so much of it and no more, as will give
the best results, with Che least injury. And
this must be ascertained by practical observa-
ton and experience.
The above remarks are of course intended to
apply to such things as are growing and fixed
permanently for life. In transplanting it is
necessary to prune. No matter how carefully
a tree may be taken up, the roots are injured
more or less, according to the care used.
In proportion as the roots are lessened, so
must we lessen the branches. Even in trans.
planting small things from the nursery bed
when all the roots can be secured, it requires
time for the absorbing functions to commence
their supply of fluid, and SO it is best always to
pinch off portion of the leaves, and thus re-
store the equilibrium.-H IT Ravenel, IN Ru-
raj CaroIinian for July.