The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1904-06-17
PRUNING AND SHAPING OF TREES

81 hCtll NNOl . lbNll1 Nli''t ohAA'iiNi
transpIanting is not at all unusual,
and when performed with due regard
to the life principles and functions
involved, may be undertaken with
every reasonable expectation of sue
cess.
In the transplanting of trees, one
of the most important questions i'll
volved is the shape which the tree
shall be made to assume. Instead of
beng, as is often supposed, Il mere
matter Of taste or preference, this is
one of the most important practical
considerations bearing on the future
returns from the tree. Pruning
should have n definite object in
view. This must naturally vary
with the kind Of tree in question,
but should never be settled by the
mere standard of pleasing effect, so
long the controlling factor with many
individuals.
The first object of the pruning
knife, is accomplished before the
tree is set into its new place of
growth This is performed solely
because it is impossible by any
practical means to remove plant
from the ground and transfer to Il
new habitat, without destroying or
iniuring Il considerable part of the
root system of that plant, This fact
necessarily leaves the leaves in eX-
cess of the roots. Nature intends
that there should be perfect equili-
brium between these two sets of or
cams. The chief office of the roots is
to absorb moisture from the soil.
The constant function of the leaves,
is to eVaporate, or eXhale, this mOis-
ture into the air, after it has per-
formed it's work in the circulation Of
the plant. 1t is inevitable, there
fore, that if Il part of the absorbing
organs are destroyed, and the eX-
haling organs remain i'll perfect
working order. the leaves must
cvaporate more water than the in
iured roots can supply. The result
is that the plant willis, and may even
die, from il continuation of this con-
| dition.
The natural remedy is to remove
enough leaves to restore the equili-
brium between the absorbing and eX-
haling organs. Therefore we prune
the tree previous to transplanting.
| The amount of pruning must de-
/ Dtllt tIl CIldIb Sltl vi uINtr ttllNi opils
as well as on condition of weather
at the time. 1t may be taken for
granted, that root activity for a time
ceases, 50 that the entire absence of
leaves only places the two sets of
organs on terms OF immediate
equality. With true evergreens,
however, only about one half of the
foliage should be entirely removed.
Half of each leaf seems to meet the
requirements better than the removal
of one half of the total number of
| leaves The most important practi-
cal consideration, next to the actual
success of the transplanting itself,
is the character or shape which
shall be given to the tree by its
pruning, given 1t at this time.
The accepted practice with most
kinds of trees has become radically
changed during the past few years.
Formerly trees were made to branch
high, with tall clean trunks. With
citrus trees, in particular, the heads
were thinned out to admit of the
access of sunlight. Today the APP
proved method of the most success
full practitioners, is to produce low
dense heads.
The advantages of low heads are
many. The shading of the ground
around the trees, thus preventing
the loss of soil moisture by evapo'
ration, and of ammonia by over
heating the soil, are among the more
important gains from this method
Heavier cropping is thus secured
and the increased accessibility of the
fruit is an important consideration
Protection of the trunk from sun
scald, is another gain.
The most important effect of the
low-heading of trees, however, is
probably due to the mechanical
principle thus secured. The weight
of the fruit is brought nearer to the
Support. Instead of being forced tc
bear its burden at the tip of branches
II long distance from the tree itself
the weight is brought back near tie
trunk. The effect is exactly as
when a person becomes exhausted
from carrying a load at arms-length,
but finds immediate relief, and adj
ditioEal carrying power when the
arms is bent at the elbow, so that
the weight is brought back near the
body.
More fruit can be carried, less dan
ger of breaking of limbs, and fewer
props are the immediate results.
Then the fruit is so much nearer the
ground that the matter of harvesting
is very much simplifled and cheap
cnCd.
The removal of what was formerly
considered as superfluOus growth, is
becoming less and less common.
Limbs which seriously interfere
with the symmetry of the tree may be
pruned, but the pruning knife is
practically banished from the best
groves and orchards. WatersprOuts
no longer furnish the eyesOre they
once supplied. Necessary pruning
should be performed when the trees
are as nearly in Il dormant condition
as possible.
1t should never be forgotten that
the sap of tree is its life blood.
! Wounds, therefore, should be as
slight as possible, should be made
with sharp tools and should be
painted over, or otherwise protected
from access of the air for the same
reasons that similar precautions
would be taken with an animal sub
jectcd to the necessity of amputation.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
What is the cause of the small
white worms so often found in the
pit cavity of peaches?
Answer. These are the larvae of
the curculio, a beetle which stings
the young fruit. Destroying the
beetle prevents the worms. In a
small way chickens under the trees,
early in the season, is the best pro-
lection. Earring the insects off into
cloth under the tree is the remedy.