The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1910-02-18

Pruning is a broad subject, and is
one of the most important factors in
the production of choice fruit. 1t is
little understood by most people, yet
all quite realize that it is necessary.
1t is said to assist nature and must be
done for some special purpose.
There can be no definite rules given
for pruning. Each tree presents an in
dividual problem Wren must De solved
by the best judgment of the orchard
ist Intelligent light and regular prun-
ing forms probably the only good gen.
eral guide. The reasons for pruning are
many, but some of the most important
are mentioned as follows: To form
the tree according to the growers
ideal, to secure good strong frame
work. to promote growth or retard it.
to produce fruit, to remove crowding,
diseased or broken limbs and to form
tree which is capable Of producing
the best possible fruit.
Before Planting.
An equilibrium between the top and
root should be established, and this is
best done at planting time. When
trees are moved, more or less of the
roots are lost and a pruning of the
top is necessary to secure the correct
relation. The root system should re-
ceive special attention at this time.
Some practice cutting the top back
before planting, but this is not Of prime
| Importance.
An Ideal Necessary.
Before we prune. an ideal must be
clearly in mind. The grower must de-
| eide if he wants an open center, cen
! trail leader, high or low headed tree
! The open center is obtained by remov-
ing the central leader and the advo-
Gates of this method claim. more
equal distribution of air and light
| This causes the fruit on the inside to
color better and also tends to prevent
| fungus growth. This system is un-
natural and expensive Some western
| orchards prove this to be poor
method when compared Wits the GEN.
| trail leader. The desired results can
! be obtained in q central leader tree
| if proper pruning is given. Some peo-
! pie still prefer the high headed tree
, but it is gratifying to learn that they
upon which the advocates of the high
headed tree base their argument, is
the supposed fact that it allows better
and easier cultivation. The result il
very tall trunk with bunch OF
limbs at the top. Such a tree is prac.
tically valueless. It stands as a toker
of poor training and a recommends.
ton for low headed trees
The choosing of low or nigh heade;
trees generally decides the profit o.
loss to the grower. The low headed
tree is much easier pruned, sprayed
: 4 plIhCO. AIS IGSS6IS tn
danger from sunscald, windfalls, an,
can be cultivated better and mucl
easier than the high headed tree Thi
means money saved. 1t must be clear
ly understood that pruning is neces
sary to aid the low headed tree t
grow properly, that is, the scaffol
limbs should make a strong, sturd
growth and never be allowed to droor
/ If so they become very undesirable
When the merits of the nigh and 10y
headed tree are compared, it is no
difficult to understand why the latte
) is strongly recommended
Keep the center properly thinned t
admit plenty of air and sum- All dis
, eased, crossing. crowding, broken an
|. unnecessary limbs must be removed
keeping in mind that pruning shout