The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1883-01-10
Pruning Orange Trees.


Trees are from two to eight years
old, and have never been prnned
much,-SUBsCRIBER.
In answer to the foregoing we
make extracts from the chapter on
pruning in Mr.. Garey's "Orange Cul.
tore in California" which ia the latest
and most comprehensive treatise on
orange growing in this State. Mr..
Carey writes: November, December
or January is the proper season for
general pruning. The trees grow
less during these months than at any
other time. January is Immediately
prior to the season OF blooming. The
annual pruning should be done be-
fore the fruit forms. At all seasons
of the year, however, all superfuous
sprouts ON the trunk, and al stray
branches that threaten to throw the
tree out of balance, should be re.
moved without delay Pruning
should be done with sharp implies
ment. TO make smooth cut that will
heal and be covered with bark in a
short time.
There are Involved in pruning sew.
eral principles, among which are the
following:
First-The removal of the branch
es from the trunk of the tree, to ad>
NIT OF cultivation close to the tree
with horse and caltiyator
Second-The removal OF part or
all of the limbs that cross or rub one
another, or that grow too close to-
gether, diverging from one point.
Third-Thirning out the center of
the top OF the tree, cutting out all
non.producing branches, to admit an
ample supply of air and light.
A wide diversity of opinion exists
on the first proposition. There are
strenuous and enthusiastic advocates
OF low pruning, allowing the branches
to grow within two or three feet Of
the ground. The usual arguments
in favor OF the method are, that it
shades the trunk of the tree from the
direct rays Of the sun, and that it
also shades the ground, thereby pre-
venting evaporation, as is is claimed.
10 a great degree, hence, moist
condition to the soil.
The advocates of what is termed
vhigh PRUNING az less enthusiasts
tic in defense of their theory. They
argue that it admits of better and
more thorough cultivation, even close
to the tree, and at less expense than
if the top be allowed to form near
the ground. They cay the entire
surface of the ground, and especially
the soil near the trunk of the tree,
should be well cultivated, not only
tor the purpose OF destroying the
weeds, but to pulyerize the soil tor
the retention Of moisture; and that
the direct rays OF the sun should, as
far as possible, fall upon the whole
area OF ground in the orchard. Our
most experienced orange growers
think the soil needs the warmth OF
the sun, as well as cultivation, that
the trees may receive the full benefit
OF the moisture in the ground, and
that the fruit may be fully devel-
oped.
Before young trees are transplant-
ed to the orchard they should be al
lowed plenty of limbs, which make
them develop stocky trunk and a
large quantity of roots. When about
to be planted in an orchard, they
may be deprived of aportion of their
lower limbs, and then be pruned up
gradually till a horse or mule can
pass readily under the branches. This
is about the best rule to guide the
orange grower. When, after years
of growth, or from heavy bearing,
branches become too low, the ends
can be trimmed from underneath till
the orchard will present regular
and uniform appearance. Properly
trained orange trees do not need
stakes TO support them; they will
support themselves, and with little
assistance, they will grow symmelri,
cally and well proportional.
The center OF the top OF an orange
tree, more particularly of one that is
fruiting, should receive an annual
pruning OF the superfuoas inner
branches, and such cutting out OF
the inside limbs as will leave the in
side of the top open and clean. and
admit air and sunlight throughout
The interior OF the tree. All brancb-
e. Inclined TO grow out so as to pre-
sent an unslghtly appearance must
be cut back.