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. . <br /> Pruning for Stren is <br /> .._. <br /> The first guide to pruning a young shade tree is to have a food factories) is left intact. Only damaged or dead limbs <br /> clear understanding about what pruning can do for the tree should be removed. <br /> — and you. After the first year, pruning should begin in earnest. <br /> For example, we know to prune modestly — if at all — Pruning with strength as the objective is the best way to avoid <br /> when transplanting a new tree. An immediate objective must weak branches later on, and to prevent expensive corrections <br /> be to strengthen and expand the root system which is usually that will otherwise become necessary. <br /> reduced by 80 -90 percent during transplanting. To meet this What to look for <br /> objective, as much as possible of the leaf surface (the tree's <br /> 111/ / Branch Angles Watersprouts <br /> and Size I and Suckers <br /> Narrow angles signal a point of fu- i These "parasite" sprouts <br /> ture weakness, whether in the trunk ( can occur at the base or in- <br /> or crown. The reason is that as the side the crown. They are <br /> two branches grow, neither has suffi- rapidly growing, weakly at- <br /> \ <br /> cient space to add the wood needed cached, and upright. Usually <br /> for strength. Instead, they grow they use more energy than <br /> against each other. The effect is simi- they return to the tree. It is <br /> lar to hammering in a wedge. To best to remove them as soon <br /> prevent this and the expensive prob- as possible when it is obvious <br /> lems that are sure to follow, simply ' they are vigorous sprouts. <br /> II , i remove one of the two branches. For <br /> t <br /> strength, the ideal branching angle <br /> approximates 10 or 2 o'clock. <br /> Lateral branches should be no ' I iiiiiz more than '/: to' /. the diameter of the trunk. As the trunk grows it will <br /> 0, i strengthen the joint by adding wood <br /> around the branch — like a dowel <br /> in a chair leg. <br /> // <br /> Ideal — <br /> angles .-- <br /> 0 a / Rubbing Branches <br /> • � <br /> t , <br /> Branches that rub result in <br /> / i � I wounds, decay and notches. <br /> I Zo•' ` Remove one of the offending <br /> \ <br /> branches. <br /> i , <br /> o <br /> - Center of Gravity <br /> Young trees deformed by <br /> I wind may be corrected by Temporary \ ' , <br /> (/ <br /> ter of gravity to a point more Branches <br /> central over the trunk by cut- Branches below the lowest permu- <br /> ting back the leader and lat- nent branch can protect young bark <br /> erals on the downwind side from injury from the sun and add i <br /> (or direction of lean) to more taper and strength to the trunk. Par- _ <br /> upright branches. ticulariy in lawn plantings where <br /> lower limbs do not block passage or i <br /> tempt vandals, the limbs may be left , <br /> • _r <br /> 4 n w ,,,,. for 3-4 years after planting. Then re- I Temporary move over the next 2 -3 years, begin- Branches <br /> ning with the larger temporaries. <br /> Injured or obviously diseased limbs should also be Don't let the temporary branches <br /> promptly removed. Caution: When pruning diseased trees, become large and vigorous. Shorten 1 <br /> dip your shears in household bleach or rubbing alcohol the larger temporary branches, or <br /> remove vigorous temporaries if less ' I <br /> before storing or moving to the next tree. Be sure to rinse vigorous ones can be selected. - r"'''' / `fit <br /> and wipe dry before storage. <br /> • <br /> 4 • TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 1 • National Arbor Day Foundation <br />