The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-11-13
(ATIONAL PRUNING
NJ YOUNG TREES IS
fERY ESSENTIAL

approaching when property owners T
will be setting out fruit and ornamen-
tai trees on their property, and the
Emitted States department OF agricul-
furc calls attention to the necessity |
bf proper pruning of both roots and
Branches at the time of setting out.
Fhe rational pruning of young tree
pr ornamental plant directs its
growth, determines its form, distribu-
ion of fruit and flowers when bear
ing age is attained.
Pruning is used to control both
fruit and flower production both as
regards the quantity and the charac-
er Of the product. Pruning provides
the only way of combating certain
plant diseases.
Pruning lengthens the light of the
tree by protecting it against decay
caused by breaking or improper
sevcring of branches. The systema-
lie annual pruning of some species
IS essential for commercial crop
production. Pruning intelligently car
ried on with due regard TO the habit
and requirements of each species, is
a constructive. directive operation of
great Importance. The practical grow
er of trees and shrubs is frequently
taken to task by the would be tree
protector because lie cuts out branches
which are neither broken or dead, but
are in healthy, flourishing condi-
tion.
The argument used by this critic Is
that in nature il is not necessary TO
cut out branches and otherwise mu'
tlato trees, that in order TO allow
The plant to assume its natural and
normal form. nt pruning should be
done, and that the use OF the knife is
a delrimcnt to the bes interest of
the tree and should therefore be dis
couraged.
The practical grower however knows
too well the results which follow
from this method Of handling trees in
orchards parks and other ornamental
plantations.
Growing Conditions.
Under natural conditions plants
grow thckly; one crowds upon the
Bother and in that way all superflous
individuals as well as branches arc
! (crowded out Under artificial condi
tons there is no such force at work
plants are placed at distances which
prevent this natural pruning.
Tine increase amount Of food avail
able TO plants under artificial con
dtions frequently eXcites Growth, 81
that the distance between the DIFF
feront whorls of branches, whicl
Naturally dovelope from near the en'
great thus giving the plant an opel
form and the appearance of havini
been built by stories.
Fly judicious use of the prunin
knifc the gardner shortens this an
nual growth. thus reducing the dis
tanco between the branches forme
In successive years, with the resul
that the tree has a more compac
and symmetrical form and therefor
mtter suited TO serve the purpos
an orchard or ornamental tree.
4Nhat has been said in regard
the heading or cutting back OF Oh
otard or ornamental trees sapplie
Witt equal force to shrubs. car
2khould be exercised however. in III
heading bacl; progress in order thi
the plant so pruned should not a
sumo al artificial form.
The heading in should be CORE
tive process rather than one that
Directive. that is. the heading
should only be sufficient to count'
balance the argumented growth whit
results from the increased food SUI
ply Of plants grown under high CT
ture.
Extreme examples OF the hecossi
Of heading back are almost invaria
~ met with in the case OF popla
grown for decorative PURPOSES.
Among orchard trees nonC posse
greater necessity for annual trea
ment in this way then do the pea'
and Keifer pear. although nearly ;
of the fruit and ornamental tire
waile young require care in III
particular
Protection Against Siorms.
Another reason why pruning
necessary with plants gown und
artificial conditions is that some
our most desirable ornamental tire
and shrubs have an unf0rtuna
natural habit of growth which |
suits IN Il method of branching viii
makes trees unable to Withstand hi
winds or heavy SHOWS, 1t Is
gi,rdners business therefore TO qua
against such branching and to
direct the growth of the tree as
force 1t To distribute its brancl
IN such q manner as will best p
vent It from being broken duri
high winds or heavy storms.
notable example of the undesraI
system OF branching is had IN
silver maple this tree almost inv
iably branches 80 as to throw I
strong shoots from the point
branching. each OF which grows
about the same rate. with W
narrow angle between them, the res
is as the branches Increase In 81
the union between them not be
perfect severe pressure placed VI
one OF them has a tendency to 81
them apart
Every ono VINO has observed
,Vyor ,,nnla hnq frpuucntlV seen IN