done in the fall, early spring, or early summer, but never during
the period when the trees are in bloom.



STUDY III. PRUNING TREES


FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Trees are very much like human beings in their requirements, mode of
life and diseases, and the general principles applicable to the care of
one are equally important to the intelligent treatment of the other. The
removal of limbs from trees, as well as from human beings, must be done
sparingly and judiciously. Wounds, in both trees and human beings, must
be disinfected and dressed to keep out all fungus or disease germs.
Fungous growths of trees are similar to human cancers, both in the
manner of their development and the surgical treatment which they
require. Improper pruning will invite fungi and insects to the tree,
hence the importance of a knowledge of fundamental principles in this
branch of tree care.

[Illustration: FIG. 112.--A Tree Pruned Improperly and too Severely.]

Time: Too much pruning at one time should never be practiced (Fig. 112),
and no branch should be removed from a tree without good reason for
so doing. Dead and broken branches should be removed as soon as
observed, regardless of any special pruning season, because they are
dangerous, unsightly and carry insects and disease into the heart of
the tree. But all other pruning, whether it be for the purpose of