The New Student's Reference Work/Pruning

Prun′ing, the removal of branches from trees and shrubs to add to their health, increase their production of fruit or render them more ornamental. Forest-trees are sometimes pruned to increase the size of the trunk for timber purposes. In pruning it is necessary to understand the particular nature of the tree or shrub to be pruned, but it may be laid down as a general rule that the branches cut off should be small in proportion to the size of the trunk. The proper season must be known, pruning for some trees can be done only in the resting season, of others in the time of full growth. The cut should be smooth, care being taken that the wound shall heal rapidly. Large cuts must be covered with a preservative.