Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-05-18


1t is essential that the head OF the
tree should be opened TO the sunlight
in order that the fruit may be perfectly
colored and of tine flavor. All ilfnps
that cross each other which by their
potion would mar the bark, prevent the
free circulation of sap and endanger
disease must be removed. AS there is
an intimate relation between roots and
branches, it is essential that the foliage
be abundant and healthful, in order
that the roots may be developed ana
furnished nourishment from the SOIL for
the healthful development of the foli-
age. wood and fruit. Any tree or plant
may be eventually killed by constantly
removing its leaves as they appear, be-
cause leaves are the lungs and perform
the double function of obtaining food
from the atmosphere for the nourish-
ment of the roots and in throwing off
the Injurious elements furnished by the
roots in the form of sap. Summer prun-
ing, therefore. is q weakening process
in the growth of the tree. which VIII
often induce tree that would other.
wise be possessed of q vigorous growth
10 produce fruit the following year. on
y,
duce an increased growth of wood the
following season, and may arrest the
formation of fruit buds. Hence 1t fol-
lows that summer pruning weakens the
growth, while winter pruning produces
the contrary effect.
Trees often show a tendency to de-
velop strong central shoots at the ex
pense of those which should grow
straight outward from the body. This
can be controlled by pruning the strong
shoots in summer and the weak ones
in winter.
When it becomes necessary to remove
a large limb that has become broken
the proper plan is to saw the limb at
least two feet beyond the final point OF
removal thus removing the great
weight which is likely to cause the
tearing of the bark upon the lower side
OF the limb. often extending into and
down the trunk, causing serious injury
to the tree. A second cut can now be
made at the proper place without any
danger.
Finally, when we consider the many
years required for certain fruit trees
to reach maturity and the irreparable
follows that every possible precaution
in pruning is a wise expenditure of
time and labor.
Samuel b. Hedges, ponologist of the
United States department of agrcul
ture, in a special report, has promul-
gated the following rules for the guild
ance of those seeking Information upon
the subject.
l. Train the tree so that only dead
or injured limbs may be removed in
future years.
2. Use the fingers and pruning knife
In shaping the tree, and thus save the
use of the saw.
8. Prune weak growth in winter.
4. Prune strong growth in summer.
5. Pruning by improper methods and
at improper times Will prevent the
formation of fruit spurs upon such
trees as fruit by that method.
6. Never fail to protect every wound
of more than one half inch in diameter
from the influence of the weather by
means of paint or some other suitable
material.
Z. Study your tree thoroughly before
you pruce
Having the above reliable rules for
our guidance, it IS easy to arrive at the
following conclusions:
An ak or Ratchet should never be
used In pruning, as the wound will not
be as smooth as can be made with a
fine toothed saw