INCIDENTAL SUMMER PRUNING.

New Zealand Tablet, 8 January 1920, Page 43

INCIDENTAL SUMMER PRUNING.

Many persons have an idea that fruit trees, with the exception of espaliers and dwarfs, need no pruning in the summer, or that if objectionable features are observed it is better to let them alone until winter. There is, too, a rather general belief that it would be quite a risky proceeding to lop off a large bough when in full leaf. I used to think the same until I observed how quickly trees that have branches broken by accident or gales recover, and how soon long and ghastly wounds, caused by splitting, heal over (says a contributor to a contemporary). Now I have no compunction in removing any wood that is decidedly in need of it. This summer pruning is not intended to supersede the winter's work. It would not be possible or desirable to thoroughly prune when the fruit is growing, and too much cutting would check growth in some cases or divert it in others; but, nevertheless, it is advantageous to look over tho trees when they are green. In old trees many of the smaller boughs die every year. They are more easily seen by contrast at this time than when all are sere. A branch which seemed all right at the general overhaul may have grown out of place and now crowds and shades its neighbors. Such may be cut out with advantage. All water shoots and sprouts growing on original limbs that have been regrafted should bo removed and young stocks trimmed to force upward growth or strengthen the heads. In fact, any small details that are necessary and possible may be carried out without injury to the tree, but rather to its benefit. These little attentions will considerably lighten tho winter work, when conditions for its performance are not so genial.